Chicago Bears: Grading all picks in 2023 NFL Draft

Round 1, #10 Overall: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Poles’ first-round decision was probably his most controversial. Most draft analysts had the Chicago Bears going after either defensive tackle Jalen Carter or offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.

Johnson was taken by the Arizona Cardinals at six overall so he wasn’t available. However, Carter was there at nine. It seems that the plan was to go for an offensive tackle to help protect Justin Fields. Instead of going with a prospect many feel could be the top player in this class Poles decided to get Fields that protection. He even acquired an extra pick by trading down one spot with the Philadelphia Eagles. Poles received the 10th pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick.

With that pick he selected Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright. Wright had an incredible 2022. In 892 snaps, he gave up no sacks and just two quarterback hits. Will Anderson, who was the highest-rated non-quarterback, said Wright was the toughest lineman he ever went up against. He got nowhere near the quarterback when he went up against Wright.

Again, this wasn’t a sexy pick but the Bears really needed a big, tough guy to protect Fields. Wright is what the Bears needed. Grade: A