The Chicago Bears feel they are on the cusp of becoming a good football team this season. They have young talent across the board, mixed with a core of solid veterans, to help guide them. Everybody seems to be on the same page: work hard, play hard, and don’t be selfish. That mentality carried them through an ugly start to the 2023 season through a 7-10 finish, capped by a 5-4 record in their last nine games. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are confident in their developmental process for the young guys.
If they can get a handful of their additions to ascend to the upper tier of the NFL, this Bears team will challenge for a spot in the NFC. The obvious uncertainty is who will step up. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com has a good idea. He won a Super Bowl in Green Bay during his playing days before becoming a scout for Seattle and Carolina. His analytical work is some of the most widely respected in the field, which made his statement that Bears right tackle Darnell Wright is poised for a Pro Bowl run in 2024 so intriguing.
“The Bears’ hopes of making the playoffs in Caleb Williams’ debut season hinge on the performance of an offensive line anchored by this rugged right tackle with a nasty disposition. As a rookie in 2023, Wright delivered a series of eye-opening performances. With the spotlight on Williams and Co. in 2024, Wright should catch even more attention. He’s a bully on the edge with long arms and quick feet, possessing the tools and talent to play at a Pro Bowl level as a sophomore.”‘
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron likes to run a pass-first scheme. In 2023, his Seattle Seahawks ranked sixth with 60.1% of the plays being passes. He likes putting the ball in the hands of his quarterbacks. For that to be viable, the Bears will need good protection from the offensive line. Wright wasn’t always consistent last year, but he had some standout performances. His games in Detroit and Green Bay last year stood out. He also held up remarkably well against the Chargers’ tandem of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.
One must not forget Darnell Wright played much of last season with an injured shoulder. For him to still look that good is a great sign for the future. He should be healthy now. Presuming he stays that way, Brooks could be proven correct. A standout year from Caleb Williams would almost guarantee the young tackle gets plenty of votes to make the Pro Bowl. It would certainly be a feather in the cap for Poles. Wright would be the first tackle taken in the 1st round by the Chicago Bears to make a Pro Bowl since Jimbo Covert.
