Should Jets Select Darnell Wright in First Round of 2023 NFL Draft?

This former NFL scout evaluates Darnell Wright.

While selecting an offensive lineman isn't the most glamorous thing to do in the first-round of the NFL Draft, sometimes it's the most necessary move to make. 

In the Jets' case, it's an extremely necessary move to make. 

This brings us to looking at University of Tennessee’s offensive right (RT1) tackle Darnell Wright this week, in our ongoing series. 

While the rest of the Jets' free world continues to beat on the big-name quarterback drum, I am choosing not to put the cart in front of the horse. Instead, I keep pounding on my keyboard for offensive linemen, because without them, it won't matter who's lining up under center. 

The Jets could land Kansas City's quarterback Patrick Mahomes and it won't matter. 

That's because New York's current offensive line depth chart is paper thin, and the team is even thinner at offensive tackle. 

Tackles:

Duane Brown

Mekhi Becton

Max Mitchell

Guards:

Laken Tomlinson

Alijah Vera-Tucker

Dru Samia

Eric Smith

Chris Glaser 

If Wright were to be selected in the first-round, this Volunteers' big man would instantly become the Jets' most physically gifted offensive lineman. 

Is pick No. 13 (where the Jets are scheduled to make their selection) too high to select a right tackle? 

Yes. 

Could the Jets potentially trade down and land Wright somewhere between pick No. 20 and No. 31? 

Sure they could. 

That's why this prospect and scenario is being presented. 

Another huge plus is Wright has experience playing both left and right tackle. In 2021, he played on the left side for the University of Tennessee, and in 2022, was moved to the right.

Currently, 14.8% of the NFL Draft Community is seeing Wright as a first-round pick (nflmockdraftdatabase.com), and based on the games I've evaluated, I agree he is a first-round value. 

Much like back in 2019, when a match-up between Northwestern's left tackle Rashawn Slater and Ohio State's edge Chase Young put Slater on the map after handling Young, Wright had a similar signature game this past season. 

Wright lined up against Alabama's big name pass rusher, Will Anderson Jr.

What was the result? 

Wright handled him, and he garnered a lot of attention because of that effort. 

Jim Nagy, Reece's Senior Bowl Executive Director, took to Twitter saying, "Darnell Wright is one of the most improved prospects we've seen on tape this year. Moved from LT in [the] offseason and looks more natural on [the] right side. Wright made money controlling Alabama's WIll Anderson on Saturday." 

Douglas made a huge splash in the first-round this past draft, selecting the Defensive and Offensive Rookies of the Year (Sauce Gardner and Garrett WIlson). 

Maybe this year he trades down and opts for more draft capital in an attempt to rebuild the offensive line?

One thing is for sure, adding Wright would be a huge step in the right direction. 

Grading Darnell Wright 

6-foot-6, 335 pounds 

2022 game film reviewed: LSU, Pitt, and Alabama 

Grade: First-Round (20-31) 

Talent upgrade for the Jets: Yes

Scouting Report

Well built and athletic offensive tackle with long arms who excels in pass blocking and is adequate as a run blocker. Shows a fast first-step in pass protection. Maintains a wide and well-balanced base while setting up in the shallow depths of the pocket. Uses hands well while engaging with pass rushers as he continues sliding along the perimeter. Does a nice job of working to the back edge and walling it off, but he has a tendency to over-aggress and over-extend back there, which can leave the inside susceptible to pressure. Ironclad anchor. Able to hunker down against authoritative bull rushes. Good at picking up stunts and blitzes. More of a positional leverage run blocker. Stays off the ground. Excellent moving around, pulling and getting downfield. Inconsistent sustain is the biggest issue when it comes to run blocking. 

Bottom Line:

Adding Wright on the right side of the Jets’ offensive line is a move I would sign off on. He's my RT1 heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. 

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