2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Darnell Wright





  • Darnell Wright, 6-4/315

  • Offensive Tackle

  • Tennessee


  • Darnell Wright Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Reliable pass protector
  • Has quick-enough feet
  • Can bend at the knee
  • Agile to wall off speed rushers
  • Can kick slide to block speed rushers
  • Good length
  • Anchors against bull rushes
  • Shows recoverability against bull rushes
  • Quality run blocker
  • Contributes in the ground game
  • Can manipulate and tie up defenders as a run blocker
  • Sustains blocks
  • Strong hands
  • Physical
  • Fighter; physical demeanor
  • Quality technique
  • Quick out of his stance
  • Quality feet
  • Sustains blocks
  • Awareness
  • Lots of experience




  • Weaknesses:
  • Gets in trouble when his weight gets over his toes
  • Less than ideal speed for a left tackle
  • Less than ideal feet for a left tackle
  • Less than ideal athleticism for a left tackle
  • Might be limited to right tackle


  • Summary: The Tennessee Volunteers offense and quarterback Hendon Hooker had a prolific 2022 season, rejuvenating the once-great program with an epic win over Alabama. Hooker could not have had a huge year without good play from the offensive line, and Wright did a superb job in 2022.

    Wright entered the starting lineup as a freshman, getting five starts at right tackle. He stayed at right tackle in 2020 before moving to left tackle in 2021. As a senior, Wright was back on the right side and was one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC.

    The strong and physical Wright has the skill set to be a starter in the NFL, including quality size, athleticism and quickness. In pass protection, he has enough agility on the edge to neutralize speed rushers. While he is not an elite athlete or especially fast, Wright is quick out of his stance and gets in position to wall off defenders. When taking on bull rushes, Wright gives up little ground and is able to anchor with lower body strength to keep himself from getting pushed into the quarterback. Helped by solid technique, Wright gets good depth in his drop and is able to play the typewriter with his feet to mirror speed rushers. Wright has quality feetm and while they’re not elite, they’re above average.



    In the ground game, Wright is nasty at the point of attack. He can knock defenders backward and drive them off the ball. Wright has the strength to control, turn and manipulate defenders at the point of attack. With violence and tenacity, Wright will finish off opponents and pound them into the turf. While Wright is a mauler, he is able to hit blocks on the second level and able to kick out to the perimeter. Aided by a fighting temperament, Wright blocks through the whistle and sustains his blocks. He should be a solid run blocker in the NFL.

    Wright has a shot at sneaking into the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He looks safe to go in Round 2 if he is not selected on the opening night of the draft.



    Player Comparison: Taylor Moton. For the NFL, Wright reminds me of Moton. Both are athletic right tackles who have enough quickness and athleticism to match up against speed rushers with the strength to anchor. They both are solid run blockers as well and show some physicality. Moton was a second-round pick in 2017 out of Western Michigan, and Wright could be a second-round or late first-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2023 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2023 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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