Regardless of who wins the Denver Broncos starting quarterback job this upcoming season, Mike McGlinchey and Garett Bolles will both have to come up big this year to help the offense find balance. Could this be Bolles’s final season in Denver, or will he play himself into another contract extension? If not, who could potentially develop into becoming an eventual successor?
Denver Broncos offensive tackle duo must be stronger in 2024
Whether it’s Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, or Zach Wilson, the Denver Broncos starting tackle duo of Mike McGlinchey and Garett Bolles will be relied heavily upon this season to keep them upright.
McGlinchey had a variety of highs and lows in his first year as a Bronco in 2023, but he found balance in key times last season. It was unclear this offseason whether or not Bolles would return due to his big price tag of $20 million. With both players back this season, the Broncos offensive line should see consistent production at offensive tackle.
The only real gripe with McGlinchey’s play last season came in the presnap penalty department, committing seven false start penalties, according to Pro Football Reference. Bolles’ play at left tackle last year was consistent. There are no questions about whether or not any of them will start this upcoming season because they won’t even be contested.
Broncos depth at offensive tackle
Besides Bolles and McGlinchey, the Broncos have some under-the-radar talent at offensive tackle with players who have high upside despite their draft status or lack thereof.
The team has a handful of previous undrafted rookie free agents, like Quinn Bailey, Alex Palczewski, and Demontrey Jacobs, who are returning from last season. Bailey was a consistent name during the regular season, with No. 75 reporting as eligible. Sean Payton used him as an extra offensive lineman in heavy personnel looks, and having been on the roster since 2019, he’ll likely be relied upon again this season.
Palczewski was one of the team’s most impressive undrafted rookie free agents last season, enough for him to make the team’s 53-man roster. He played well during training camp and was a standout during the preseason. Despite not playing a regular season snap in 2023, Palczewski is viewed highly by the coaching staff and could be a developmental prospect who could be a future starter for the team, potentially at left tackle if needed.
Jacobs is another player the organization has been impressed with as a developmental talent. During training camp, look for Jacobs and Palczewski to get a lot of looks with the second-team offense.
In terms of undrafted rookie free agents, this year’s class for the Broncos saw them sign Frank Crum from Wyoming. He’ll get a lot of opportunities to play and compete during training camp and the preseason but is widely viewed as a practice squad candidate for now.
Denver’s only free agent signing at tackle saw them pick up former New York Giants veteran Matt Peart. From an optics standpoint, he has quality experience and could be a solid lock as a backup for either Bolles or McGlinchey, but he’ll likely compete with Jacobs, Bailey, and Palczewski for an active roster spot.
Denver Broncos offensive tackle personnel
- Garett Bolles
- Mike McGlinchey
- Demontrey Jacobs
- Alex Palczewski
- Quinn Bailey
- Frank Crum
- Matt Peart