Early Life & Background

Garett Bolles was born in Lehi, Utah, a city located in the northern part of the state, known for its suburban landscape and proximity to Salt Lake City. Raised in a supportive family environment, Bolles developed a strong work ethic from an early age, influenced by his upbringing in a region where athleticism and perseverance are highly valued. While specific details about his family or early influences are not widely documented, it is clear that his journey from a relatively modest background to becoming an NFL offensive tackle was driven by determination and a commitment to excellence.

Lehi, Utah, has a strong tradition of producing competitive athletes, particularly in high-contact sports like football, wrestling, and track. Bolles’ early exposure to these sports likely played a pivotal role in shaping his physical attributes and mental toughness. Growing up in a community where sports are deeply ingrained in the culture, he would have had ample opportunities to refine his athletic skills while also learning the importance of discipline and teamwork. These foundational experiences would later contribute to his success in high school and beyond.

Bolles’ path to the NFL was not an overnight success but rather the result of years of dedicated effort. His transition from a high school athlete to a collegiate prospect required not only physical development but also the ability to adapt to higher levels of competition. His ability to overcome early challenges, whether in the weight room, on the field, or in the classroom, set the stage for his eventual draft into the NFL.

High School Career

Garett Bolles attended Lehi High School, where he began to make a name for himself as a formidable offensive lineman. At Lehi, he quickly established himself as one of the premier prospects in Utah, earning recognition for his size, strength, and football IQ. While exact statistics from his high school career are not widely available, Bolles was widely regarded as one of the top offensive tackles in the state by his senior year. His performance on the field caught the attention of collegiate scouts, particularly his ability to dominate opponents in both pass protection and run blocking.

Bolles’ high school career was marked by his ability to handle physical defensive linemen while maintaining balance and footwork, traits that are essential for offensive linemen. His combination of size (standing at 6’5” and weighing around 300 pounds by the time he reached college) and athleticism made him an attractive prospect for programs looking to bolster their offensive lines. Scouts also noted his dedication to improving his technique, which was evident in his consistent performance against highly competitive opponents.

In addition to his on-field contributions, Bolles was likely involved in other aspects of high school athletics, possibly participating in wrestling or track, which are common in Utah high schools. These sports often complement football by enhancing strength, agility, and mental resilience. His ability to excel in multiple sports would have contributed to his overall athletic development, making him a more well-rounded prospect when he entered college.

Bolles’ high school career ended with him being a highly touted recruit, attracting interest from numerous Division I programs across the country. His success at Lehi High School laid the groundwork for his collegiate career, proving that he had the talent and work ethic necessary to compete at the highest levels of college football.

College Career

Garett Bolles attended Salt Lake Community College then transferred to the University of Utah.

NFL Draft

Garett Bolles entered the 2017 NFL Draft as one of the most intriguing offensive tackle prospects in the class, drawing attention for his rare combination of size, athleticism, and potential. Despite not having a wealth of public college statistics to rely on, his reputation as a prospect was bolstered by his performance in workouts and his physical traits, which made him an appealing choice for teams in need of an immediate contributor along the offensive line.

The Denver Broncos selected Bolles with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted offensive tackle from Utah since at least the early 1970s. The Broncos, who had struggled with offensive line issues in previous seasons, saw Bolles as a long-term solution at left tackle, a position they believed was critical to improving their offensive production. The selection of Bolles was also part of a broader strategy by the Broncos to rebuild their offensive line following the retirements of key veterans like Ryan Clady and the departures of other free agents.

Bolles’ draft stock was influenced by his impressive combine and pro day performances, where he demonstrated elite athleticism for an offensive lineman. He posted a 4.95-second 40-yard dash time at the combine, a remarkable feat for a player of his size, and showed strong lateral movement in agility drills. These metrics suggested that Bolles had the quickness and footwork necessary to handle elite edge rushers in the NFL. His arm length (34 inches) was also considered an asset, as it allows offensive linemen to extend their range in pass protection and control defenders in run blocking.

The selection of Bolles was not without risk, as he lacked extensive game tape from college to evaluate his technique and consistency. However, the Broncos’ front office, led by general manager John Elway, was willing to take a chance on his physical tools and potential. The pick was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism, as some analysts questioned whether Bolles’ production in college justified his draft position. Nevertheless, the Broncos’ confidence in his ability to develop into a franchise left tackle was evident in their decision to select him in the first round.

Professional Career

Garett Bolles’ NFL career with the Denver Broncos began with high expectations but has been marked by both promise and challenges. After being drafted in 2017, Bolles quickly stepped into the starting lineup at left tackle, a position he has held for most of his tenure with the Broncos. His rookie season saw him play in all 16 games, starting 15 of them, as he began to acclimate himself to the speed and physicality of the NFL. Despite some early struggles, Bolles showed flashes of his potential, particularly in pass protection, where his athleticism and quickness were evident.

From 2017 to 2020, Bolles served as the Broncos’ primary left tackle, providing stability on an offensive line that has often been inconsistent. His performance during this stretch was a mix of solid contributions and areas needing improvement. For example, in 2019, Bolles allowed just three sacks while playing in 15 games, a testament to his ability to protect the quarterback when healthy. However, he also drew penalties for holding and false starts, issues that have plagued him throughout his career. Over his first four seasons, Bolles committed 40 penalties, including 23 for holding, which is a significant concern for a player in his position.

The 2021 season marked a turning point in Bolles’ career. After the Broncos signed veteran left tackle Russell Okung via free agency, Bolles was moved to right tackle, a position he had not played regularly since his college days. The shift to the right side allowed Bolles to play with more experience and guidance, while also giving the Broncos flexibility with their offensive line. The move appeared to benefit Bolles, as he rebounded from a sluggish start to the season to play well down the stretch. His performance in the final six games of the 2021 season earned praise from coaches and teammates, suggesting that he was capable of thriving in a more defined role.

Bolles’ statistics from his NFL career reflect a player who has been a consistent presence on the offensive line but whose impact has been limited by inconsistencies. As of the end of the 2023 season, Bolles had started 97 of the 104 games he has appeared in, a testament to his durability and the Broncos’ trust in his ability to stay on the field. His career snap count is particularly impressive, as he has played over 6,000 snaps in his seven seasons, demonstrating his ability to withstand the rigors of an NFL season.

One of Bolles’ most notable performances came during the 2022 season, when he played through a thumb injury that required surgery. Despite the injury, Bolles started all 17 games for the Broncos, playing one of the most physically demanding positions in the NFL on a weekly basis. His ability to overcome adversity and maintain his performance level under such circumstances speaks to his toughness and professionalism.

Off the field, Bolles has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including work with the Denver Broncos’ foundation. He has also been vocal about his Christian faith, which has played a significant role in his life and approach to football. His leadership within the locker room has been noted by teammates, who often point to his work ethic and humility as positive influences on the team.

Playing Style & Strengths

Garett Bolles is an offensive tackle who relies on a unique blend of athleticism, technique, and physical tools to excel in pass protection and run blocking. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 300 pounds, Bolles possesses the prototypical size for an NFL offensive tackle, but it is his movement skills that set him apart from many of his peers. His 4.95-second 40-yard dash time at the combine is elite for an offensive lineman, allowing him to slide laterally with ease and recover when beaten off the edge. This athleticism makes him particularly effective in pass protection, where his quickness and footwork enable him to mirror edge rushers and prevent them from turning the corner.

One of Bolles’ greatest strengths is his ability to anchor in pass protection. Despite not having a massive frame, he uses his lower-body strength and leverage to stay in front of defenders, even when matched up against more physical pass rushers. His technique in pass sets is generally sound, and he has shown the ability to bend and stay low, which helps him absorb bull rushes and maintain his balance. When Bolles is at his best, he is a difficult matchup for speed rushers, as his lateral quickness allows him to adjust to their movements and prevent them from getting a clean rush on the quarterback.

In run blocking, Bolles has shown the ability to overpower defenders at the point of attack, particularly in zone schemes where his athleticism allows him to reach defenders at the second level. His initial punch in the run game is often effective, and he has the strength to drive defenders off the ball in short-yardage situations. However, Bolles is not a mauler in the traditional sense; he excels more in space where his mobility can be fully utilized. His ability to climb to the second level in zone runs makes him a valuable asset for offenses that rely on outside zone schemes.

Bolles’ strengths are particularly evident in the passing game, where his combination of length (34-inch arms) and quickness allows him to extend his range and redirect defenders. His hand placement is generally good, and he uses his hands well to combat pass rushers, though he can sometimes get overpowered by stronger defensive ends. In the run game, his ability to get to the second level quickly is a major asset, and he has flashed the potential to be a dominant blocker when playing with the right scheme and complementary pieces.

However, Bolles’ playing style is not without its limitations. His greatest weakness has been his consistency in technique, particularly in maintaining his base and avoiding holding penalties. Bolles has been prone to grabbing and lunging at defenders when they get the upper hand, which has resulted in a high number of holding calls over his career. Addressing this issue has been a major focus for him, as penalties can be costly in critical moments of a game. His footwork can also break down in protection, particularly against power rushers who are able to bull him back into the pocket.

Another area where Bolles has sometimes struggled is in recovering from mistakes. His athleticism allows him to make up for technique flaws, but when he is beaten off the edge, it can be difficult for him to reset and recover. This inconsistency has led to some stretches where Bolles has struggled to maintain a high level of play throughout a game or season. Despite these challenges, his overall athletic profile and the strides he has made in certain areas of his game suggest that there is still untapped potential in his playing style.

Personal Life

Off the field, Garett Bolles is known for his humility, strong work ethic, and commitment to his faith. Bolles is a devout Christian, and his faith plays a central role in his life and approach to football. He has spoken openly about the importance of his relationship with God and how it guides him both on and off the field. His Christian values are evident in his interactions with teammates, coaches, and fans, as he often emphasizes the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and service to others.

Bolles is also known for his close-knit family. He is married and has children, though specific details about his family life are kept relatively private. His commitment to his family is reflected in his dedication to providing for them and ensuring that his football career allows him to be present for important moments in their lives. In interviews, Bolles has spoken about the sacrifices his family has made to support his career, including uprooting their lives to move to Denver when he was drafted by the Broncos.

In addition to his family and faith, Bolles is actively involved in charitable work. He has participated in various community initiatives through the Denver Broncos’ foundation, including visits to children’s hospitals, school outreach programs, and food drives. His involvement in these activities reflects his desire to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his career. Bolles has also been involved in missions work, both domestically and internationally, which aligns with his deeply held beliefs about service and compassion.

Bolles is known for his quiet demeanor and approachable personality. He is not one to seek out the spotlight, preferring to let his performance on the field speak for itself. This humility has endeared him to teammates and fans alike, as he is often described as a team-first player who puts the success of the group above his individual accolades. His leadership style is one of example, as he consistently demonstrates the work ethic and professionalism expected of a veteran player.

Bolles is also a fitness enthusiast, often sharing his training routines and dietary habits with fans and teammates. His commitment to physical fitness has helped him maintain his durability throughout his NFL career, and he is known for his disciplined approach to nutrition and recovery. His dedication to his craft extends beyond the football field, as he continually seeks to improve his game through film study, strength training, and technique refinement.

Legacy & Future Outlook

As Garett Bolles approaches the later stages of his NFL career, his legacy remains a topic of discussion among Broncos fans and analysts. On one hand, Bolles has been a durable and consistent presence on the Broncos’ offensive line, starting nearly every game since entering the league. His career snap count and durability are testaments to his ability to withstand the physical demands of the position, and his athleticism has made him a valuable asset in both pass protection and run blocking.

However, Bolles’ legacy is also shaped by the challenges he has faced, particularly the inconsistency in his technique and the holding penalties that have plagued him throughout his career. For a first-round pick, the expectations were high, and while Bolles has delivered in terms of availability and occasional standout performances, he has not fully lived up to the lofty standards set by his draft position. His inability to consistently eliminate penalties and his struggles against power rushers have left some questions about his long-term viability as a franchise left tackle.

Looking ahead, Bolles’ future with the Broncos will likely depend on his ability to refine his technique and cut down on penalties. If he can address these issues, he could continue to be a productive starter for the team, particularly if he remains at right tackle, where he has shown the most stability in recent years. However, the Broncos’ front office may choose to explore other options at left tackle in the coming years, especially as younger players develop and vie for roles on the offensive line.

From a broader perspective, Bolles’ career serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the NFL draft. Despite his first-round selection and the physical tools that made him an attractive prospect, his career has been defined by both progress and setbacks. His story is one of perseverance, as he has worked through injuries, scheme changes, and personal challenges to remain a contributor at the highest level of professional football.

For Broncos fans, Bolles represents a chapter in the franchise’s ongoing effort to rebuild and strengthen its offensive line. His tenure in Denver has been marked by moments of brilliance interspersed with stretches of inconsistency, but his leadership, durability, and work ethic have made him a respected figure in the locker room. Whether his legacy is ultimately defined as one of promise unfulfilled or of a player who exceeded expectations despite the odds, there is no denying the impact he has had on the Broncos and the NFL.

As Bolles continues his career, his focus will likely be on adding to his body of work while mentoring younger offensive linemen. His experience and professionalism make him a valuable resource for the Broncos, and his commitment to improvement suggests that he still has more to give to the game. For fans of the game, Garett Bolles remains an intriguing case study in the intersection of athleticism, technique, and the unpredictable nature of professional football.