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From the moment the Chicago Bears drafted offensive tackle Darnell Wright with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, he has been the team’s stalwart at right tackle. The massive protector has started 33 games for the Bears over the last two seasons, anchoring the right side of the line while dealing with constant shuffling beside him at right guard. As Wright prepares to enter Year 3, though, could he also be shuffled along the offensive line? It’s possible, according to Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
Following Wednesday’s OTA practice, Johnson met the media at Halas Hall and discussed the ongoing competition at various spots on offense and defense. The head coach was asked specifically about the offensive line, where rookie Ozzy Trapilo and second-year lineman Kiran Amegadjie are currently rotating at the starting left tackle spot while Braxton Jones continues to rehab from last year’s ankle injury.
“We’re moving guys around. We want to give everyone an opportunity,” Johnson said. “Darnell, we feel pretty comfortable keeping him at the right side right now, so the left side, until we get Braxton back into the mix, it’s going to be a bit of musical chairs.
Johnson indicated they like Wright on the right side of the line, but there’s still a chance the Bears could opt to move him to the left. “To be determined,” Johnson said firmly when asked if right tackle was solidified with Wright. “Anything’s on the table, and we’re going to let the plan play out, which is to keep them there for the time being and let these guys battle it out on the left side. We can decide to change course whenever we need to.”
Based on what the Bears have shown on the field up to this point, coupled with Johnson’s comments, their top plan consists of working in Trapilo and Amegadjie at left tackle going into training camp before Jones’ return. Wright has proven to be a dependable right tackle, and making yet another position change on the line with the possibility that all five positions could have a new starter may not be the most ideal solution for a young quarterback like Caleb Williams—or Wright, for that matter.
Trapilo and Amegadjie are both Day 2 picks, and expectations remain high for them. Amegadejie saw limited action his rookie year with mixed results, while Trapilo shows promise with his size and technique, though he primarily played on the right side while in college. Jones has been the starter in each of the last three seasons, but his injury opens up the possibility for a change as the Bears look to find the best starting five to improve upon a league-high 68 sacks allowed in 2024.
There is still a long way to go before any positions are solidified, but all signs point to Wright remaining at right tackle. Johnson is keeping an open mind, though, and it sounds like he’s willing to make changes if the circumstances are right.
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