Positive signs for Darnell Wright, Tyson Bagent, and other rookies with the Bears
According to general manager Ryan Poles, the 2022 Chicago Bears led the league in rookie snaps “by almost a thousand” in January.
The rookie class of the 2023 Bears is also loaded with experience.
This year’s group includes an undrafted quarterback who has helped the Bears win two of their four games this season, five other players who have played significant snaps, and two starters.
The goal for the Poles was to find blue-chip players among the younger players while also trying to make the roster younger. Darnell Wright, a tackle who is undoubtedly going to be a key component of the offense, and a few other players who could be mainstays in the starting lineup by 2024 are among this year’s rookies.
RT Darnell Wright (Round 1, Pick 10):
12 starts, 99.4% of snaps; 10 penalties (five false starts, four holding, one block above the waist); according to Pro Football Focus, seven sacks allowed. As we approach the final five games of the season, here’s an update on the team’s draft picks and two undrafted rookies who have been on the active roster.
Grade: Higher than expected
The victory over the Raiders in Week 7 demonstrated Wright’s uniqueness. Despite having a shoulder injury, he managed to contain elite edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
Tight end Cole Kmet stated, “His physicality and his athleticism are pretty rare, especially at the right tackle position.” “I remember watching the Raiders game, and he was playing with one arm, and at times, he was doing some pretty amazing things on a really good pass rusher with that one arm.”
Wright has shown resilience. He has competed with some of the top players in the league. Though he still needs to improve on avoiding pre-snap penalties, the No. 10 pick should be a good fit for the Bears overall. He will always be compared to Jalen Carter, the defensive tackle for the Eagles, who has two forced fumbles, four sacks, six tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits.
Wright’s seven sacks allowed are tied for the most among all rookies, according to PFF, with Paris Johnson, a fellow top-10 pick. It’s interesting that PFF only permits him to have one “hit.” After Johnson, Falcons lineman Matthew Bergeron, and Bills lineman O’Cyrus Torrence in terms of snaps, Wright is fourth among rookies.
DT Gervon Dexter (Pick 53, Round 2)
Statistics: 12 games, 1 start, 38.4% of snaps; 2 passes defensed, 7 QB hits, and 12 tackles.
Grade: Not up to par
Dexter has a quarterback hit in three straight games, though it has taken him some time. Against the Lions, his pass defense resulted in an interception. You would prefer to see more playtime and more production from the 53rd pick in the draft, though, considering his important role in this defense. In terms of playing time, he ranks 12th among rookie defensive linemen, and we most likely expected that to be higher in May. Merely based on the previous month, Dexter is either meeting or surpassing expectations.
In the previous month, coach Matt Eberflus stated, “The biggest thing for me is he’s taking big steps.” “The strategy works well. Everything in the path of the quarterback, including his hips and toes, is pointing in his direction. He is seriously attacking the line of scrimmage, and everything is there. I see that, and he seems to be playing around with length. And when he does it correctly, it appears correct because the quarterback’s vision is now impaired and a big man is denting the pocket. You undoubtedly witnessed that, and he will keep getting better.
Dexter possesses all the physical attributes; he has simply been adjusting to his position as an NFL offensive lineman and member of the defense. The Bears will want him to have a strong finish.
