:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54499849/usa_today_9731528.0.jpg)
In the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos have selected Utah offensive tackle, Garett Bolles.
Broncos select LT Garett Bolles. Solid pick. He starts at LT Day 1. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 28, 2017
Bolles was high on the Broncos board from the start and was the favorite to be their pick for weeks. They pass on some top defensive talent but get their left tackle to block for quarterback’s Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch.
He will compete with Donald Stephenson and Ty Sambrailo for the starting left tackle job for the get go.
What Bolles brings to the Broncos is a nasty demeanor and some really good run-blocking skills. He is also highly athletic and has the best feet from a tackle in this draft. He fits the mentality the Broncos want to bring to their offensive line. They did that by signing former Dallas Cowboy guard Ronald Leary and now do it with rookie tackle Garett Bolles.
Here's what one NFC Scout had to say about Bolles.
"Most athletic offensive lineman I've done since I took over this area of the country. He's also mean on the field, which you love. I'm projecting him to get stronger once he locks into an NFL strength-and-conditioning program. He's underdeveloped right now. What you see isn't what you are going to ultimately get, in my opinion."
As the scout said above, Bolles needs to hit the weight room once he joins an NFL team, but if he puts in the time and bulks up to 305-310lbs he has a chance to be a very good lineman.
The issues with Bolles is his already advanced age for a rookie(Will be 25 years old soon) and his core strength. The age clearly wasn't an issue for the Broncos, but the strength will be something they need to focus on once he joins the team. The Broncos helped get Sambrailo bulked up so hopefully, their strength and conditioning coach can do the same.
I know many will be and are against this pick, but let's give Bolles a chance. We have all wanted the Broncos to upgrade their offensive line and they did with this pick(hopefully). Bolles is also a great story so it will be hard not to root for him.
Welcome to the Broncos Garett Bolles.