Free agency is in full swing, creating a frenzy of excitement around the possibility of bolstering Denver’s struggling offensive line, but a recent report from Matt Miller of Bleacher Report suggests the Broncos may be looking to the draft to address one of their biggest needs.
Denver watched left tackle Russell Okung leave for San Diego on Thursday, the first day of free agency, after they declined to pick up his option on year two of his contract signed last offseason. Meanwhile, top free agents Andrew Whitworth and Matt Kalil signed with the Rams and Panthers, respectively.
Donald Stephenson and Ty Sambrailo, who split time at right tackle in 2016 remain on the roster, but their struggles last year make their status as starters anything but a lock.
John Elway did not address the tackle position on day one of free agency, perhaps because he has an eye on that position for day one of the draft. According to Miller’s source, Denver values Utah tackle Garett Boles as a first-round talent.
“Offensive tackle remains the No. 1 need for the Broncos heading into the draft,” Miller wrote in his Friday scouting notebook. “I’m told by a coaching source that the team is very fond of Utah’s Garett Bolles and views him as a Day 1 left tackle.”
Miller, a regular guest of Nate Lundy and Shawn Drotar on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7, ranked Bolles his No. 21 overall draft prospect. Denver holds the No. 20 pick in the draft
Bolles may not be as high on some team’s draft boards in part because of his troubled past, but scouting reports suggest he’s turned a corner since finding religion and embracing the hard work required to succeed in the college ranks.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com says Bolles has “Elite athletic ability with the sweetest feet at the tackle position in this draft.”
However, they also say he “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.”
If power is a problem with Bolles, Denver’s return to a power blocking scheme under Mike McCoy could be cause for concern. However, one NFL scout expects his strength to improve once in the NFL.
“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,” the NFL.com profile quoted.
Denver’s first move in free agency was intended to increase its “meanness” on the field. Elway made one just one free agency signing on Thursday, adding guard Ronald Leary from Dallas. Leary met the Denver media on Friday and said to be a good blocking offensive line, the Broncos will have to be “bullies on the field.”
Zierlein says Bolles has “Pro Bowl potential for a zone-scheme team.” Whether that potential exists in a power scheme like Denver plans to employ could be put to the test soon.