Denver Broncos: Biggest surprises so far in the 2020 season

1. Garett Bolles’ progression

There is no question, no doubt in my mind that the biggest and most surprising development of the 2020 season for the Denver Broncos has been Garett Bolles’ progression.

We saw a glimpse of it at the end of the 2019 season, but it appears as though Mike Munchak’s coaching has finally started to take with Bolles, and over the last nine regular season games he has played, he’s probably been one of the better left tackles in the NFL.

Not only that, but Bolles has been playing through injury.

The Broncos have to be thrilled with what they’ve seen from Bolles so far this year, and they should be happy to write him a contract extension during or after this season.

The Broncos decided not to pick up Bolles’ fifth-year option on his rookie contract, which would have cost them almost $11 million guaranteed in 2021. That’s obviously a big guarantee for a guy like Bolles, who has undoubtedly struggled with his technique the majority of his first four years in the NFL.

Even though that would have been a calculated risk the Broncos should have taken, they could get Bolles on a contract extension with a lower 2021 cap hit if they wanted, so it’s probably not that big of a deal in the long run.

Plus, the Broncos may actually be able to cross left tackle off their 2021 off-season ‘to-do’ list, which would be worth the price of Bolles’ extension in and of itself.