Broncos brick, mortar, and scrap: Offensive line overview

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 15: Connor McGovern #60 of the Denver Broncos hangs his head as he walks off the field after failing to convert a first down against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on September 15, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 15: Connor McGovern #60 of the Denver Broncos hangs his head as he walks off the field after failing to convert a first down against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on September 15, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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Garett Bolles Broncos
Garett Bolles Broncos

Garrett Bolles, Tackle

I know. I can still hear the boos from his last holding call. Here’s the thing, Broncos Country. As much as we don’t want Bolles on the roster anymore, it just doesn’t make much sense for the team to get rid of him right now.

For those of you that want to point to Bolles’ flaws as a reason to cut him, let’s keep these two things in mind.

  1. He was a first round pick and still on his rookie deal.
  2. He hasn’t missed a game since coming to town.

While those reasons shouldn’t be enough to keep him in the starting lineup, let’s remember the Broncos’ recent history regarding their first round picks.

With the exception of Paxton Lynch, every 1st-round pick in Elway’s tenure has lasted at least four years with the team. Considering his ability to stay on the field and improvement towards the end of the season, it appears that Bolles will continue that trend and return to the team in 2020.

The two questions that hover over Bolles’ future are what the Broncos will do with his potential fifth-year option and what kind of competition will they bring in for him?

The Broncos have until May 3rd to exercise Bolles’ fifth-year option. The timing of which is very fortuitous for the Broncos. The date allows the team to see what’s available to them in the draft and depending on what they can net from that group. From there, they can decide as to whether or not Bolles is worth keeping for a fifth year.

While we may not love his knack for boneheaded penalties, we should get used to the idea of Garrett Bolles being penciled in as the Broncos starting LT in 2020.

2020 Status: Mortar

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