PHILADELPHIA – With the No. 20 pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos selected Garett Bolles, an offensive lineman from Utah.
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Here's some information on Bolles' draft profile from NFL.com:
Every year there's at least one player who has overcome self-destructive behavior to take advantage of his athletic gifts. Bolles fits that bill because of his troubled teenage years. With the help of those around him, he embraced religion and hard work, enrolling at Snow College near his Utah home to turn his life around. He was a two-time all-conference pick at Snow, earning national junior college All-American honors as a sophomore. The top junior college prospect in the country chose to stay near home again to attend Utah. Bolles played well enough at left tackle to garner first-team All-Pac 12 recognition.
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.
Expectations
Draft projection: Round 1-2
NFL comparison: Cedric Ogbuehi
Because he's only played one year of FBS football and hasn't been able to fully fill out his frame over the last five years, Bolles will require a projection and conjecture than most of the tackles in this year's draft. He clearly has elite athletic ability and foot quickness, but his lack of core strength and ability to sustain blocks against power across from him is a concern at this time. While he has Pro Bowl potential for a zone-scheme team, his floor will be a little lower than you might like in an early round pick.
-- Lance Zierlein