With the 2023 NFL Draft just weeks away, the Bucs continue to host some of the top draft prospects on Top 30 visits. The latest known visitor is Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright, who is in contention to be Tampa Bay’s first-round pick. NFL reporter Aaron Wilson first reported the news.

The Bucs have the 19th overall pick and have a strong need at offensive tackle with the release of Donovan Smith, the team’s starting left tackle since 2015. Wright, who met formally with the Bucs at the NFL Scouting Combine, has experience starting at both left and right tackle at Tennessee.

Darnell Wright Could Play Right Tackle Or Left Tackle For The Bucs

Tennessee Draft Prospect, OT Darnell Wright – Photo By: USA Today

In 2020, Wright played in 10 games, logging 554 snaps at right tackle and 14 at left tackle. He surrendered five sacks, five hits and nine hurries as a sophomore, according to Pro Football Focus. The next season, Wright was moved to left tackle where he started 13 games and played 920 snaps. As a junior, Wright allowed three sacks, one QB hit and 13 hurries.

His best season came last year as a senior when Wright moved back to right tackle. Wright, who was the top pick in Pewter Report’s latest 7-Round Bucs Mock Draft started all 13 games, logging 892 snaps and earning a career-best 71.4 overall grade from PFF. He didn’t allow a sack, surrendered just two QB hits and only six hurries. He shut down Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson and LSU edge rusher B.J. Ojulari during the 2022 season.

In Tennessee’s pass-first offense, Wright earned an 80.2 pass protection grade, but still needs work as a run blocker. If the Bucs draft the 6-foot-5, 333 pound Wright he could get a shot at left tackle, replacing Smith. But the Bucs might feel his best work might come at right tackle. That would prompt Tampa Bay to move Tristan Wirfs from right tackle to left tackle.