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Denver Broncos fill their greatest hole with tackle Garett Bolles

April 28, 2017

With pick No. 20 in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos have selected offensive lineman Garett Bolles out of Utah. The Broncos clearly made offensive line a priority by taking Bolles with their first pick in this year’s draft. At six-foot-five and 297-pounds he measures to be quite the athlete. NFL.com has compared him to Cedric Ogbuehi.

At the combine, Bolles also measured 34 inches in arm length while his hand size is 9 3/8″.

Bolles had some off the field issues as a youngster but he turned his life around at Snow College, where he was a two-time all-conference section.earning national junior college All-American honors as a sophomore. As one of top junior college prospect in the country, he chose to stay near home and attended Utah. He earned all Pac-12 recognition as a Ute.

NFL.com reads his scouting report as this:

STRENGTHS

Elite athletic ability with the sweetest feet at the tackle position in this draft. Movement skills are smooth and unencumbered. There isn’t an angle block he can’t get to. Smooth climbs to linebackers as a work-up blocker, and has rare ability to accelerate from that block up to a third target. Has lateral quickness in run game to cross-face from backside and seal on the play-side. Can take quick settle steps, sinks and scoops defensive ends on base blocks. Quick feet allow for more patience to scan for stunts. Can meet edge speed with quick sets in pass pro. Plays with a mean streak and loves to finish. Outstanding change of direction to mirror without a hitch in his transition. Keeps weight on inside foot in his slides. Moves feet into position against inside counters. Balanced in his pass sets and keeps blocks centered. Should get bigger and stronger with more weight work after unorthodox path to the draft.

WEAKNESSES

Frame is a little narrow and legs appear to be shorter than normal. Devoid of drive power in his lowers. Pad level rises and he struggles to generate much movement against stout outside linebackers at point of attack. Needs better knee bend into second-level contact. Inconsistent in sustaining his blocks. Power can toss him off balance. May be limited by scheme fit. Needs to keep hands inside to bolster strength in his base. Lacks trust in his core power against speed-to-power. Leans into blocks with feet behind him to brace up. Will need sharper punch and more sink in his sets. Gives initial ground against power and doesn’t always anchor quickly. Will be 25 years old by opening of fall camp.

He has yet to fill out his frame and has a lower floor than most first round pick. He’s athletic as can be and has great foot speed.