Darnell Wright

Summary

Darnell Wright was selected in Round 1 (#10 Overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee. A former five-star recruit, Wright developed into one of the premier offensive tackles in college football, starting 42 games across his Tennessee career and anchoring the right side of a high-tempo SEC offense. In his final season (2022), Wright earned First-Team All-SEC honors and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy, while gaining national recognition for his dominant performances against elite edge rushers. Since entering the NFL, Wright has stepped immediately into a full-time starting role at right tackle, where he has posted strong pass-block win rates, allowed limited pressures relative to volume, and has been a stabilizing presence on a young offensive line. He is widely regarded as a high-character, disciplined, and professional player, praised for his work ethic, diligence, and mean streak.

Strengths

• Elite Size & Power: Prototypical right tackle build with exceptional strength andoverwhelms defenders at the point of attack. Plays with edge and physical intent while embracing physical matchups.

• Anchor vs. Power Rush: Extremely difficult to bull rush as he routinely absorbs and stops speed-to-power. Maintains leverage and posture through contact and is rarely knocked off his base.

• Hand Strength & Violence: Heavy, accurate hands allow him to control defenders once engaged and strikes with malice when punching.

• Run-Game Dominance: Displaces defenders and creates movement. Wright excels in gap, duo, and inside-zone concepts.

Weaknesses

• Lateral Quickness: Functional but not elite foot speed and definitely can be stressed by pure speed rushers. Once initially beaten, he relies more on strength than agility to recover.

• Penalty Risk: Aggressive hands and finish can lead to holding or hands-to-the-face calls.

• Scheme Flexibility: Best in power or balanced schemes and is less suited for wide, pure outside-zone systems.

• Consistency vs. Speed Counters: While he packs a wallop with his hands, Wright needs continued refinement handling quick inside counters from twitchy rushers.

Outlook

Wright is an ideal fit for physical, run-forward offenses that emphasize power, play-action, and protection integrity on the right side. His presence allows offenses to run confidently behind him, secure the edge in pass protection, and limit the need for chip or slide help. Wright thrives in schemes that value vertical displacement and downhill run concepts, while also providing reliable pass protection against power-based rushers. Now paired with Ben Johnson, Wright projects as a long-term starting right tackle with Pro Bowl potential if his footwork and counter recognition continue to improve. While he may never be a finesse pass protector built on elite agility, his strength, anchor, and competitive temperament give him a high floor and ascending ceiling. With continued development and stability around him, Wright has the tools to become a foundational offensive lineman and tone-setter for a physical NFL offense.