ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — To the roars of a packed Wednesday crowd at UCHealth Training Center, Garett Bolles threw DeMarcus Walker on the ground, rolled and dove on top of him. For the second time.
The rookie left tackle, whom the Broncos drafted in the first round this April, is a big piece of a plan set forth by general manager John Elway to make his offensive line tougher. On top of that toughness, The 6-foot-5, 298-pound behemoth has been praised by coaches and players for his study habits and work ethic.
“Garett is going to be great for us,” linebacker Von Miller said. “When he goes out there, he already has that mentality that he wants to work. I see him before the play telling CJ [Anderson], ‘I don’t want a chip, I don’t need any help.’ If you’ve got an offensive lineman like that, he’s trying to win. He’s not out there just trying to not get beat. To have that mentality at a young age is incredible.”
Bolles is the flashiest upgrade on Denver’s offensive line, but free-agent signings Menelik Watson and Ronald Leary, and Allen Barbre, who signed with the Broncos last week, complete what should be the most improved group on the roster this season.
According to Emmanuel Sanders, the offensive linemen want people to forget about last year’s performance.
“Yesterday, the offensive line got into a little scuffle,” Sanders said. “I hear them say, ‘We’re not the old offensive line! We’re not the old offensive line!’ They are bringing that grit, that meanness, that toughness.”
“Way more physical up front,” added defensive lineman Adam Gotsis. “These guys are taking pride in running the ball, and that’s what we need. It’s good that they have a great defense to go up against and compete with every day and I think these guys are really taking pride in that. I think you guys have seen it all, how physical they’re being at the point of attack, how well they’re protecting the quarterback. They’re doing a great job.”
Matt Paradis, the team’s center and a sixth-round pick in 2014, should be the only returning starter on Denver’s offensive line. The third-year lineman was involved during 11-on-11 drill for the first time on Thursday, and he likes what his new line mates are bringing to the group.
“I think it’s going really well,” he explained. “We have a lot of new guys, but we have a really good group. Guys are working hard. We have a physical group that’s setting the tone for the offense. I’m excited about it.”
The Broncos ranked 27th in the league in rushing yards per game last season, with 92.8 per game. So far in camp, the running game looks significantly better, and Sanders is impressed.
“I think our run game is going to be explosive this year and it’s going to open up the pass. We’re going to be able to pass the ball to open up the run. I think our run game is going to be so good with this line if they could continuously improve with C.J. [Anderson], [De’Angelo] Henderson, and Jamaal [Charles], and all those guys in the back field.”
Regardless of which quarterback lines up under center in 2017, an improved offensive line and an improved run game will go a long way towards aiding their success.
