Continuity on the offensive line is a theme you will see for the Denver Broncos in 2026. Their incumbent starting five from last season are all set to return, as well their depth players from 2025 and fourth round draft pick Kage Casey. It’s a strength of the team for certain, and their high-end play will be pivotal if the Broncos want to have a successful ‘26 gridiron campaign.
One of the most important members, if not the most important member, of the Broncos’ offensive line is left tackle Garett
Bolles. After being drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Utah standout is entering his tenth season in the National Football League. Even better? Bolles is coming off arguably his best season to date and seemingly has gotten better as the years have gone by.
Bolles’ on the field efforts in ‘25 earned him first-team All Pro honors as well as the second Pro-Bowl designation of his career. Additionally, he was a finalist for the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year Award alongside teammate Quinn Meinerz. Unfortunately, the award went to guard Joe Thuney of the Chicago Bears. Nevertheless, Bolles is poised to continue his top-tier play for the upcoming season.
Player Profile
Age: 33 | Experience: Tenth Year | College: Utah | Height: 6’5” | Weight: 300 pounds
Arm Length: 34” | Hand Size: 9-3/8” | Broad: 9’7” | Vertical: 28” | Bench: N/A
40-yard dash: 4.9 seconds | Short Shuttle: 4.55 seconds | 3-Cone: 7.29 seconds
Garett Bolles’ 2026 outlook with the Broncos
There is doubt Bolles has turned things around significantly as his career has continued. He was once a player who was often booed by fans for allowing too many sacks and having a penchant for holding penalties. Now? the tenth-year pro has solidified himself as one of the league’s best blindside protectors and is a fan favorite across Broncos Country
The longest tenured member of the team, Bolles has been one of the few constants for the team over the past decade. This season, he enters rare territory and joins a list of less than twenty players that have went on to play a decade for the team in franchise history. That’s quite remarkable and worthy of praise.
Once again, he will be tasked with protecting Bo Nix’s blindside for the upcoming season. I have no concerns about his ability to do a great job and believe he will continue to play at an extremely high level. His toughness, tenacity, and leadership in the trenches will be important as Denver gears up to chase another Lombardi Trophy.
Final Thoughts
It took some time for Bolles to hit his stride, but there is no denying he has turned out to be one of the best draft picks John Elway made in his tenure as general manager. He has overcome a lot of obstacles over the course of his career. His football story is one of perseverance and it has been great to see him develop into one of the game’s best left tackles. Eventually, a few years down the road once his playing career is over, he will certainly be deserving of the honor of being inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Fame.
