Denver Broncos offensive line overview: Youth movement on the interior?

Denver Broncos training camp is officially underway, and the headliner this year is the quarterback battle between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater. However, the five players in front of whoever starts at QB are still up in the air.

For several years now, the Denver Broncos have struggled to put just the right pieces together along the offensive line. Most recently, Ja’Wuan James has flopped as a massive free agent signing, who the front office hoped would fill their hole at right tackle for the future.

However, the 2021 NFL Season could be the turning point in the team’s struggle to find the right combination along the offensive line. With coach Mike Munchak in house helping to develop the young prospects, the Broncos’ offensive line should be in good hands heading into the 2021 season.

There are still questions to be answered though. Who will emerge as the starting right tackle? Will the Broncos try to push some of their younger players into starting positions?

Here’s a breakdown of the Denver Broncos offensive line heading into the 2021 NFL Season:

Left Tackle

Thankfully, no surprises here.

Garett Bolles had a breakout 2020 season that earned him 2nd-team All-Pro honors. According to Pro Football Focus, Bolles committed only seven penalties all season, and didn’t surrender a single sack.

Bolles was rewarded with a four-year, $68 Million contract after his stellar year.

Entering the 2020 NFL Season, Bolles was under heavy scrutiny from the fans, as well as media. Bolles struggled with penalties early in his career, and would often be called for penalties in the most inopportune times.

Bolles rebounded with an excellent year in 2020 and will look to continue his impressive play for the Broncos in 2021. Despite the quarterback controversy, whoever is starting at quarterback will have peace of mind in knowing their blindside is secure.

The eventual loser of the battle for the right tackle position will likely serve as a swing tackle and will back up Bolles in case of an emergency. Bolles has been a stalwart for the Broncos though, missing his first full game in 2020 due to a non-COVID illness.

Garett Bolles has turned around his career for the Denver Broncos and is now a reliable fixture along the offensive line. Bolles will continue to anchor the blindside in 2021 and should be a mainstay for years to come.