Darnell Wright Scouting Report: A Massive Tackle With Surprising Traits

One guy who isn’t getting enough discussion for the first round is Darnell Wright. Yes, players like him struggle to transition to the NFL, but he is refined in pass-pro for a prospect. With more than enough size to play tackle, Wright is a surprisingly solid athlete. After entering college as a top-ten recruit, he struggled early on but gradually picked things back up. You like to see his gradual improvement, and he also checks all the physical boxes you look for. Here we dive into whether or not he is worth a first-round selection.

Three all-22 games and two regular games were evaluated. This scouting report includes grades on all relevant traits which were based on his film. Stats and analytics, such as PFF grades, were also factored into his scouting report. Thank you to both TFG and PFF for inspiring this draft content. Please leave your feedback on Twitter, @FBIntellect.

Clip Analysis

In this clip above, Darnell Wright shows a great anchor against Will Anderson Jr., who’s an absolute game-wrecker.

In this clip, he shows his dominance against a defensive end with poor technique. The defensive end doesn’t have good balance and engages with high hands. This allows Wright to use his upper body strength to drive him into the ground.

Here, he shows he can reach block and follows it up with an excellent pull block.

Grades

Traits/ Skills (see bottom of the page for scale)

Each trait/attribute is graded 1-7.

Player Notes

Darnell Wright Bio

• Darnell Wright is an experienced pass block first Tackle with a large and wide frame. He fits best in a gap scheme but has the flexibility to play in a zone-heavy scheme.

Pros

• Has adequate foot quickness and get-off – good enough for pulls and reach blocks.
• Has a wide and powerful upper half.
• Kickslide is sufficient for the pros.
• Generates elite play strength with his upper mass.
• Has flashed the ability to time kick slide perfectly.
• Has good recovery skills where he uses his length and short area burst.
• The grip strength and power in his punches are remarkable.
• Brings out his best on duo blocks; looks to dominate.
• Has a lot of experience and played both sides of offensive Tackle.

Cons

• Has small hands at under nine inches.
• Doesn’t have the speed to move-block well on screens.
• Doesn’t have good technique with his hands; doesn’t counter well and tends to bearhug.
• Gets caught leaning in pass pro, leaving him getting off-balance.
• Won’t be able to hang with the speed rush of elite explosive players in pass-pro in the NFL.

Final Conclusion

Darnell Wright would be an excellent candidate for a team picking in the 25-40 area of the draft. He could play either LT, RT, or Guard for an NFL team on day one. His upside may not be appealing, but finding day-one starters in this position can be problematic.

Combine

40 yd: 5.01

10 yd: 1.81

Shuttle:

3 cone:

Broad: 9’6″

Bench:

Arm Length: 33 3/4″

Hand Size:

Scales And Keys

Grading Key

POT – Potential: players’ highest upside

IMP – Impact: player’s immediate impact