For Garett Bolles Consistency Is Key
By Cody Roark
Entering his first NFL season, Garett Bolles is focused on consistently growing in the NFL while still competing at a high level…
As a rookie tackle in the NFL, you get thrown into the fire against the leagues best pass rushers, but Garett Bolles isn’t too focused on the narrative. Entering his first season in the NFL, Bolles’ focus is more centered on being consistent and learning.
The 25-year old rookie has an advantage over most NFL rookies who are in the age bracket of 22-23 years of age on average. It is no secret that Bolles has battled adversity before, but he has grown and become battle tested by life itself.
So what are opposing pass rushers going to do? Test him. And he will be ready.
Starting in back in OTAs, Bolles has spent time this offseason learning from Von Miller. Going against arguably the NFL’s best defensive player is a surefire way to get ready for the NFL season opener for the Broncos rookie.
Bolles gets the task everyday in practice of facing Denver’s pass rushing duo in Von Miller and Shane Ray. A task that obviously tests Bolles ability to play right away.
Consistency seemed to be the word for Bolles when asked about what he has taken away from camp and OTA’s:
"“Just consistency. That’s the way it is in the NFL. You have to be consistent with the way you’re set, the way you eat, the way you sleep. Just being consistent in everything so that you can learn and beat the best of the best. My position is hard. I go against Von Miller and Shane Ray and guys like that. Our conference is so strong. So if I’m not being consistent, I’m going to give up sacks and things I don’t want to give up that’ll hurt my team. I have to be consistent with those things every single day.” – Garett Bolles on his takeaways from minicamp and OTAs (Via Denver Broncos PR)"
Consistency is key in the NFL and Bolles’ attitude indicates he is bought in to the culture Vance Joseph wants for the franchise. Based on his demeanor alone, Bolles sounds like the ultimate team guy and is embracing learning from veterans around him.
The common mistake certain rookies make in the NFL is coming in with the mindset they know everything they need to know. That mentality will cut your career short. Bolles demands to learn from the veterans and his ears are wide open.
"“I feel very confident going into training camp, I really do. I spent a lot of time with Von Miller and Shane Ray and learning from them and Menelik Watson and Ron Leary. Those are guys I look up to a lot. I have a leader that plays center in Matt Paradis. Those guys literally help me every single day. I trust in them; I believe in them. Everything that they tell me, I just take to a whole different notch so I can be ready to play.” – Garett Bolles on how he feels heading into training camp (Via Denver Broncos PR)"
Thoughts on Garett Bolles:
Being a first round draft pick for a contending organization comes with enough pressure itself, but Garett Bolles has a phenomenal attitude. Bolles isn’t putting too much pressure on himself and that is how it should be.
The way Bolles carries himself alone has me excited to see how he performs on Sundays.
What excites you the most about the Broncos rookie tackle?