Uncovering the Severity of Darnell Wright's Character Concerns
In one of the most captivating stories of the Chicago Bears draft, General Manager (GM) Ryan Poles shared the rigorous workout offensive line coach Chris Morgan put Darnell Wright through.
This happened when the Bears brought Wright in for a private visit, which the player termed as his toughest workout ever. Wright was so invested in this experience that he would have been disappointed if the Bears didn't select him. Fortunately, he became the 10th overall pick, much to his relief.
The decision to put Wright through a demanding workout came from a place of admiration. The Bears were impressed with Wright, but they needed to establish whether he had the mental and physical stamina to endure the challenges of the National Football League (NFL).
Poles and Morgan got the confirmation they needed from Wright's performance.
Questions About Wright's Commitment to Football
Though some may not be aware, there were legitimate concerns raised by multiple sources about Wright's genuine dedication to football. This was highlighted by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN in his recent draft notes column.
The Origin of Concerns
Investigations point to the early months of 2020 as the start of these worries. Tennessee players were on a three-month break from the program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when they returned, Wright's readiness was questionable, as revealed by Ryan Schumpert on Rocky Top Insider.
WHEN TENNESSEE PLAYERS REPORTED BACK TO CAMPUS LAST JUNE, WRIGHT CAME BACK OVERWEIGHT. THE THEN-SOPHOMORE WEIGHED 360 POUNDS BEFORE LOSING 20 POUNDS AND PLAYING THE 2020 SEASON AT 340 POUNDS.
By 2021, Wright realized he had to make some significant changes.
The Transformation of Darnell Wright
Few things can destroy a prospect's draft stock quicker than concerns over their work ethic. Gaining 20 lbs in just three weeks was not a good look for Wright.
This led to persistent doubts about his passion for football and his willingness to put in the effort to excel. Wright seemed to have taken these criticisms to heart by 2021, leading to a shift in his attitude.
His performance improved, and he managed his weight better. In the following year, he had a standout season with the Volunteers, effectively neutralizing the SEC's top pass rushers.
Wright's commitment was further evidenced when he arrived at the scouting combine at a trim 333 lbs. The Bears, already keen on him, used the private workout as a final assessment.
Wright proved his mettle, effectively cementing his position as their first-round pick. The raw talent he possesses is undeniable.
Very few athletes of his size exhibit such agility. If he can refine his technique, he is set to be a vital asset to the Bears for years to come.
As Read on SportsMockery - People Don't Know How Serious Darnell Wright's Character Concerns Were
| POLL | ||
14 MAI | 215 ANSWERS Uncovering the Severity of Darnell Wright's Character Concerns Does Wright deserve to play for The Bears? | ||
| Yes | 203 | 94.4 % |
| No | 12 | 5.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
