2017 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos final grade
How did the Denver Broncos fair in the 2017 NFL Draft?
The 2017 NFL Draft has come and gone and now it is time for review. Of course, it will be easier to look back in a few years and really find out how these players fit and transitioned to their new roles. But as a whole, you can understand team philosophies and processes that deserve to be examined upon first glance. With that being said, here is the Denver Broncos final grade.
Garett Bolles
Tackle, Utah
Say what you want about his talent and backstory, but the Broncos got their guy. The offensive line was the biggest need on their roster, and they wound up taking the first offensive lineman off the board at pick 20.
On their offensive line, they entered the draft with Ty Sambrailo, Menelik Watson and Donald Stephenson at offensive tackle. This is a below average group, and there is little upside to speak of from the crew. While they did lose a quarterback last season, they also drafted Paxton Lynch in round one and while he develops, the smart plan would be to make sure his offensive tackle position is not a revolving door. Bolles should put an end to that.
Bolles is 25 years old, which starts his questions. Then there is the fact that he had a troubled background, and found himself working up from Junior College to being a one-year starter at Utah. His ceiling may be limited to due to age and his floor may not be the highest with his experience and off-field history.
However, his one year was impressive. He played like a physical force and played with great athleticism and footwork. Coming in at his age should mean he is ready to start next season and Andrew Whitworth entered the league at the same age and seems to still be doing okay. It is great for a team with a defense in win-now mode and is great for the future of your young gunslinger.