Summary

Garett Bolles was drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Round 1, (pick 20) out of Utah. Bolles is a high-value left tackle whose game is built around athleticism, solid footwork, and a willingness to dominate in the run game while reliably protecting the quarterback. He brings the kind of traits that many edge rushers dread facing: quick feet, anticipatory reactions, and aggressiveness at the point of attack. Over his career, he has established himself as a cornerstone of the Broncos’ offensive line.

However, while he has a strong floor, his ceiling has been somewhat tempered by questions around his power when matched with elite inside rushers, pad level consistency, and scheme fit outside of his natural zone-blocking comfort. In short: he’s a very good starter with some elite traits, but not without areas for continued improvement.

Strengths

• Elite athleticism and footwork for the position: Bolles was noted in his pre-draft evaluations for his quick feet, ability to mirror edge rushers, and above-average agility for a tackle. Mile High Report

• Effective in pass protection and anchor role: Numerous reports indicate that he has performed very well in protecting the blind side, maintaining depth, and holding up against speed rushers. Football Analysis

• Strong run-blocking and aggressiveness: He brings a “mean streak” according to scouting notes and is aggressive in run-game blocks, often dominating second-level defenders.

• Durability and consistency: He has been a regular starter for multiple seasons, which speaks to reliability at a demanding position. Reuters

Weaknesses

• Core strength and struggle versus power defenders: Early evaluations flagged that while his athleticism was strong, his upper-body strength and ability to overpower defenders needed improvement. PFF

• Occasional pad-level/overset issues under heavy or inside rushers: Some reports note that when he gets too upright or oversets, he can lose balance or allow inside pressure. SI

• Scheme-specific fit concerns and early inexperience: Because of his college background and late transition, he was seen as somewhat scheme-specific (zone-blocking system) and less experienced in some power-set schemes. Mile High Report

• Age / wear risk: He was older as a rookie relative to typical draftees and that was cited as a small concern for long-term projection.

Fit & Outlook

• Fit:
  Bolles is best suited for an offense that blends power-run and zone-run concepts, values athletic tackles who can slide, mirror, and handle speed, and has an upright edge-rusher threat to contain. The Broncos have leveraged his strengths in this role, and the extension they gave him signals their trust in him for the long haul. Reuters

• Outlook:

• Short-Term: Expect Bolles to remain a full-time starter at left tackle, anchoring the blind side and continuing to carve out strong pass-protection metrics and run-block wins. For example, early in the 2025 season he allowed minimal pressures and sacks. giants.com

• Medium-Term: If he continues to refine his technique against power rushers and maintain physical conditioning, he has the potential to be among the top tackles in the league. Longevity will depend on health, consistent performance, and adapting to evolving schemes.