LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – Bears rookie offensive tackle Darnell Wright now carries the weight of expectations after Chicago selected him with the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL Draft, but as the team opened its rookie minicamp Friday at Halas Hall, Wright saw himself as just another player among the 10 draft picks, 14 undrafted free agents and 28 tryout players who were participating.
"I'm trying to still make the team," Wright said.
He'll certainly do that. Wright was the top tackle on the Bears' draft board, general manager Ryan Poles has said, and he projects to be their new starter at right tackle. Still, it's a role he must earn.
"He's in a good spot," Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. "He retains information very well. Obviously, his movement skills and athleticism are going to be on point. But we're going to have to really harness him in there and how he uses his body.
"It's going to be a little different every week, because you're going to be blocking different types of pass rushers. He's got to learn the scheme, learn what works for him. And that's a process. It takes time to be able to do that."
Eberflus has made it clear that the Bears are prepared to use rookies in key roles. Last May, the team placed then-rookie Braxton Jones at left tackle during OTAs. He never relinquished that position, starting 100% of the snaps on offense in the 2022 season.
Wright is ready for the challenge and the expectations that have arrived as he has joined the Bears.
"Now it's just another opportunity in front of you," Wright said. "I'm going to try my best to capture that opportunity."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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