Fighting for 53: Nahshon Wright turning heads at Bears camp

Kamil Krzaczynski - USA Today Sports

Dustin Riese · Senior Writer · 4 hours ago

Every summer, when NFL Training camp starts, teams are put in a position to see more than 90 players battling it out for 53 roster spots. Typically, 40-45 of those roster spots are already accounted for when camp starts, which leaves eight spots for 40 guys. That is no different for the Bears this season, as they have several reserve role players looking to grab one of the final roster spots heading into week one.

One of the names to keep an eye on as the season gets closer is fifth-year defensive back Nahshon Wright, who is starting to make a name for himself in camp. With All-Pro Cornerback Jaylon Johnson expected to miss another week or two, Wright is one of the players making the most of his chances and is starting to turn heads in camp.

The 26-year-old Wright was a former third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys and has bounced between the Cowboys and Vikings most of his career. Across four seasons, Wright has appeared in 33 games, 25 of which came during the 2021 and 2023 seasons with the Cowboys. In those 33 games, Wright has accumulated 37 total tackles and five pass breakups as he has been more of a role player than anything.

Despite not making much of an impact in the NFL so far, the Bears have loved what they have seen from him in camp thus far, as Dennis Allen is a big reason for that. Some feel that Wright's new role this season has brought new life to him, and that alone could be why he has been one of the standout players thus far.

Take a look at this quote from Wright about playing for Allen and being a part of this system.

"The fit feels great,” Wright said, via Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. “(Allen) emphasizes how he wants us to challenge receivers. He wants you in their face. At all times. No matter the situation. He wants you in their face. That breeds competition. Especially in camp, because even when you’re tired, you have to get up there and go press and go challenge. And in the run game, he wants us to be physical and stop the ball. I know I can provide that.”

The competition factor is worth noting, as that is the one thing that Ben Johnson wanted to make clear when he arrived at Halas Hall. Johnson wanted to bring a new competitive edge to the Bears organization that translated from the practice field to gameday. Although games haven't officially started, you have seen the competitive nature at an all-time high thus far in practice, and Wright's competitive mindset has been a massive reason why he is getting the reps he is getting right now.

Although it looks pretty unlikely that Wright will play much of a role on defense this season, the more he produces in practice, the more likely it will be for him to earn a spot on this team. Looking back on his entire career, you get a guy who has played sparingly on defense but has made a living on special teams. His most memorable moment came on special teams when he recorded a blocked punt touchdown.

At 6-4, Wright is massive for a defensive back, and that size alone makes him an intriguing bench option for the Bears. Even if special teams is his ultimate path to make this roster, the Bears could use his size to their advantage, as he could be in charge of trying to block both field goals and punts.

Even if that doesn't work more often than not, his presence alone is going to have special teams coordinators on their toes as they know one bad snap or mistake by the kicker could lead to a block. Whether he makes the team or not, Wright is appreciative of the time the Bears are giving him, as he is doing whatever it takes to make an impact.

“I’m there and I’m going against arguably the league’s best week after week,” Wright said recently. “There’s no doubt that helped me. I had to see it as a positive opportunity to work on my craft. And Justin is one of those guys who wants you to really go after him in practice. I loved that. It was fun to have that type of receiver letting you know, ‘Even on the scout team, you can do what you want. Get after it. Play with it. Stay aggressive. And work your technique.’ To be honest, all those receivers helped bring me along.”