Payton 'Really Pleased' with Progress of Broncos LT Garett Bolles

It has been, to say the least, a daunting nine months for Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles. Not only is the blindside protector returning from a broken leg, which cost him the majority of the 2022 season, but he's also undergone a wholesale offensive scheme change under head coach Sean Payton and line coach Zach Strief.

Bolles, however, is no stranger to adversity. So it comes with little surprise that, despite the challenges, the seventh-year pro has made a strong impression on his new superiors.

“He’s doing well," Payton told reporters in June. "Obviously, he’s putting in the time with the rehab and the recovery. That room is completely changed. 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.”

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When training camp begins July 28, Bolles will be fully recovered from the leg injury, suffered in Denver's Oct. 6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He'd played 325 total snaps before going down, finishing with a 72.9 overall blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

Entering the penultimate campaign of his $68 million contract, Bolles returns to his familiar spot in the Broncos' starting lineup — aside a few unfamiliar faces, left guard Ben Powers and right tackle Mike McGlinchey, both of whom signed big-money deals during March free agency. Such is the "Complete Home Makeover" that Payton referenced.

And that Bolles co-signed.

"I’m going to be honest, this is the closest group I’ve been around because everyone’s a dog," he said in June. "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.”

Between Bolles, Powers, McGlinchey, right guard Quinn Meinerz, and center Lloyd Cushenberry, the Broncos have the potential to field a top-ten unit in 2023. Taking into account Payton's penchant for developing quality linemen, it's a certainty they'll be improved from the rag-tag bunch trotted out last year, which allowed an NFL-high 63 sacks on quarterback Russell Wilson.

The key to success starts with Bolles, as he's responsible for watching Wilson's six. And though he'll need to prove it on the field — consistently, at that — the early word is encouraging.

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