Bears rookie Darnell Wright got into the best shape of his life accidentally

Chicago Bears rookie offensive tackle Darnell Wright might have discovered a new workout method to get in shape quick: Do the wrong, more intense workout. That’s just what he did while training for the Bears positional conditioning tests.

After breezing through the offensive line workout, Wright left Bears general manager Ryan Poles thoroughly impressed. Poles remarked how Wright “didn’t break a sweat” after dominating the conditioning test.

And this was because Wright spent the summer training for the conditioning test that the wide receivers, not offensive linemen, would be put through, according to Adam Hoge of CHGO Sports.

What the tests asked of the athletes isn’t fully known, but it’s a safe assumption that the conditioning test for players carrying much less mass around is notably longer and more strenuous.

For having “busted his butt” in the offseason, in Poles’ words, the general manager sent Wright a GIF of Drake clapping to signal his approval of Wright’s top-notch conditioning. Safe to say this is the sort of rookie mistake that will not only be tolerated, but even celebrated a little bit. Although he probably won’t have a ton of positional teammates trying to emulate the strenuous offseason.

And if the Bears are ever considering running a tackle-eligible play where a lineman goes out for a pass, Wright might’ve catapulted to the top of the list with his conditioning.

Expectations are high for Wright in Chicago

ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick said prior to the 2023 NFL Draft that he thinks Wright might be the best player from this class.

Riddick did not hesitate when he sang the praises of the Tennessee offensive tackle. Wright received a lot of buzz lately and could make one NFL franchise very happy about the future of their offensive line.

Riddick joined ESPN’s Get Up and raved about Wright.

“We’re gonna go past the draft man,” Riddick said. “Darnell Wright, tackle from Tennessee, 6-foot-5, 330 pounds. When I first saw him down at the Senior Bowl, I said ‘Who’s that mountain over there with jersey on and a helmet on?’ Then when you throw in the tape he made the switch from left tackle to right tackle this past year.

“You watch him against Alabama down there in Knoxville, he absolutely just shuts down Will Anderson. He will be the best player to come out of this draft regardless of position. Mark my words, (Darnell Wright), best player in this draft.”