Darnell Wright NFL Draft Overview
Position: OT
Height: 6′-6″
Weight: 333 pounds
School: University of Tennessee
2023 NFL Draft: Darnell Wright Scouting Report
Darnell Wright had a stellar career at the University of Tennessee where he predominately played right tackle for the Volunteers. He has a unique blend of size, power, and determination that sometimes masks poor technique and range limitations. Wright consistently played against some of the best EDGE rushers in college football playing in the uber-tough SEC Conference. Even though he does have questionable tape and some flaws, they aren’t fatal, as he’s been noted to be a quick learner.
Strengths
- Good size and power;
- Carries his weight well;
- Played against elite competition for four years;
- Road grader when working double teams and combo blocks;
- Effective blocker when getting to the second level;
- Adequate foot slide against inside movement;
- Uses forceful length to disrupt pressure;
- Consistently stops speed to power rushes.
Weaknesses
- Very little bend in a two-point stance;
- Not a great technician at the point of attack;
- Lazy hands that often lead to finishing as a run blocker;
- Needs a shallow pocket or a QB with quick release when pass-blocking;
- More of a catcher than a puncher;
- Shows confusion against twist fronts.
NFL Comparison: D.J. Fluker
Teams With Need At Position: Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets
Projection: Late Round 1 / Early Round 2
Bottom Line on Darnell Wright
Wright faced intense college competition and this will serve him very well in the NFL. The functional movement he uses to create havoc in the running game will be a true asset to help his team be more balanced on offense. Some might be more inclined to kick him inside to play guard, but most evaluations agree that Wright possesses the size and tools of a prototypical right tackle at the next level.
Despite range limitations and inconsistencies, the team that drafts Wright is potentially getting a day-one starter on the right side of the offensive line. He should improve quickly with more repetition, learning from veterans, and refining his technique with NFL coaching. His best scheme fit is a run-first offense that employs heavy play action to limit his liability early on in passing sets. With time and experience, Wright has the potential to be a Pro Bowl caliber player in the NFL for years to come.
*Stats and research courtesy of NFL.com and The Draft Network (TDN).
Main Photo: Bryan Lynn – USA TODAY Sports
