Garett Bolles Breaks Silence on Broncos' New OL Additions

Garett Bolles is back in the saddle after missing much of last season with a broken leg. The Denver Broncos left tackle went down in Week 5 and did not return from injured reserve.

The Broncos are happy to get Bolles back, but new head coach Sean Payton has to be even more excited about teaming him up with his two big free-agent signings. On the first day of free agency, the Broncos signed former Baltimore Ravens left guard Ben Powers and former San Francisco 49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey.

Since Bolles arrived as a 2017 first-round pick, the Broncos' right tackle position has been a turnstile — figuratively and literally. A litany of players have been thrown at the position over the years, none of which panned out, and most of which blew up in Denver's face.

Suffice to say, Bolles is looking forward to having such an accomplished vet like McGlinchey bookending the Broncos' O-line with him.

“I love Mike. I think he’s a phenomenal tackle," Bolles said last week. "There’s a reason why he was high in free agency, and we brought him here. Just the last couple years, we’ve gone through so many different right tackles, and to have a guy that’s going to be there for the next five years is special. Sky’s the limit for him. I feel like we could be the best duo of tackles in the league.”

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Bolles is swinging for the fences with McGlinchey as his new tackle partner. If Bolles can get back to his 2020 version, his prediction about being the NFL's best tackle due could come true because McGlinchey is as consistent as the day is long.

Bolles is a 'dog' of sorts — an offensive lineman with a bully streak, always looking for work out there on the grass. He sees something similar in Powers.

“It’s nice to have a ‘dog’ in my room," Bolles said of Powers. "This group is special, especially him. I feel like just knowing where he’s at—he’s a true vet. He knows what he’s going to do. I love him dearly. I think highly of him. We’ve gotten to know each other very, very, very well. We text each other, talk to each other all the time... I’m excited to have a guy that’s just all about ball. His image, the way he does things, it’s just all about family and football, and that’s the type of guy I want to be around.”

While it likely hurts Bolles to see Powers' arrival come at the expense of his long-time friend Dalton Risner, he sounds genuinely excited for the veteran to be lining up next to him at left guard. The two have already forged a bond.

As for Bolles, Coach Payton has liked what he's seen from him thus far. Much has changed upfront for the Broncos since last Bolles was in the lineup, and there's a new offense, and lingo, to learn.

“He’s doing well. Obviously, he’s putting in the time with the rehab and the recovery. That room is completely changed," Payton said last week. "If there was one position group [that was like] that show, Complete Home Makeover, that would be that position group. I think the relationships and all the things that go into play in that position, he’s been very impressive. Then there’s a new offense, terminology and all those things that go along with it, but I’ve been really pleased.”

These three players will feature prominently as starters upfront on Denver's retooled O-line. Then there's another 'dog' at right guard in Quinn Meinerz, and Lloyd Cushenberry III reprising his role as the Broncos' center entering a contract year.

The foundation of Payton's offensive vision is the line, and so long as the Broncos get a little luck by way of the injury bug, this starting five has the potential to be very, very good. Seeing how the O-line is shaping up during OTAs, Russell Wilson has to be smiling from ear to ear.

Gelling will take a little time, but according to Bolles, one factor that could accelerate that process is how tight-knit the O-line room is.

“It’s just a process. But I said this, I’m going to be honest, this is the closest group I’ve been around because everyone’s a dog," Bolles said. "Everyone’s hungry. Everyone wants to win. Speaking of myself, I’ve been here for the past seven years and so I want to win. It’s all about winning. We brought two dudes in that want to win. It’s about football, family, picking each other up. The O-line sets the tone and that’s just what it is. So when we set the tone, the rest of the team will follow.”

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