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Denver Broncos: Draft Picks Deserve Patience

By Cameron Parker

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Cody Latimer #14 of the Denver Broncos is being congratulated by teammate Garett Bolles #72 after scoring a 25-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 21-14. (Photo by Stephen Lam/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Cody Latimer #14 of the Denver Broncos is being congratulated by teammate Garett Bolles #72 after scoring a 25-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 21-14. (Photo by Stephen Lam/Getty Images) /
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Garett Bolles: Blindsided First Year Expected

Drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Garett Bolles expected to make an impact this season, but he is still transitioning to football.

This league also requires patience in a left tackle. The fan’s gripes about the tackle position have merit. However, the team addressed a need taking Bolles in the first round at pick number 20.

Remember when I said he is transitioning to football? Bolles has only played three full years of football. Not to mention the trials Bolles faced before hand.

He certainly found himself riddled with penalties at Utah, but if NFL teams based it solely on that I would question the analysis. There are athletic qualities Bolles possesses that were near the best of in his class. Yet, Bolles is not afraid to be an instigator. Something the Broncos lacked the last two years.

Bolles’ reckless play catches up with him, but the future is bright. Writing off a tackle due to timely penalties and sacks is absurd. Here is an AFC West pass rush reminder — The AFC West has the best pass rushers in the NFL. Bolles will run into his fair share of problems but the best attribute to counteract the pass rush is athleticism. He is plenty quick enough to react, but hands get lazy in placement.

Remember what John Elway said back when they drafted Bolles?

"“We just really thought that athletically, the way he plays the game, the mentality he brings to the game, he was in our mind the best left tackle in the draft,” John Elway said in April (quotes via The Denver Post)"

When coaches tell Bolles something he needs to work on he listens.

"“I listen and I listen carefully and do what I’m told and get the job done as best as I can,” Bolles added."

Bolles has a future in this league and the fans must show patience to let this first round draft pick grow into the special tackle he is.

Another player is facing an unprecedented amount of criticism…

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