Darnell Wright 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Consensus five-star recruit 

• Played in 2019 Under Armour All-America Game 
• Three-time All-State selection in West Virginia 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Run scheme is an even blend of zone and gap runs. Spread passing offense. 
• 2022 projected role: Starting LT

Pros: Darnell Wright is an experienced blocker against top competition that has improved in every season. He spent his first two seasons at right tackle before kicking to left tackle in 2021 and held his own. Wright features an appealing blend of size, power, and tenacity. He has the functional strength and mass to create displacement in the run game. I really like the power in his hands and overall grip strength. His hands are not easily displaced and it’s impressive how his punch is able to stun opponents. He displays the ability to operate his hands independently and vary his strikes. Wright’s anchor is stout in pass protection and opponents won’t find success attempting to play through him. He’s a competitive blocker with ideal temperament. 

Cons: Wright is a big-bodied blocker with heavy feet and tight hips. I believe he would benefit from dropping 15 pounds to improve his movement skills. He struggles to redirect and take away inside counters and works overtime to protect his outside hip against speed. Wright struggles to get good depth in his vertical sets. He has some tendencies to get top-heavy, duck his head, and fold at the waist when engaged with blocks—he needs to play with better bend and leverage. Wright’s range as a run blocker is underwhelming and he hasn’t proven to be effective on longer pulls or climbing to the second level while being tasked with connecting with moving targets.

Darnell Wright NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino