​The Denver Broncos remain one of the strongest teams up front in the NFL, and they continued to demonstrate their commitment to building a dominant offensive line by placing more linemen in the top tiers of expert assessments. In the latest ESPN ranking by Jeremy Fowler, offensive tackle Garrett Bolles surfaced at No. 10, marking his first appearance on this type of list. The placement is well deserved. Bolles faced some early career bumps, but he gradually transformed into an above-average blocker, culminating in a surprising All-Pro season at age 34 last year.
Bolles’ statistics underscore why he earned a high classification, even as they also reflect the scrutiny that accompanies a top-10 designation. Fowler reported that Bolles allowed just five sacks on 630 pass-blocking reps and posted a 94 percent pass-block win rate, ranking ninth among all tackles. Yet some voters argued he doesn’t belong in the top 10, noting that Bolles is more limited in comparison to other elite players on the list. His run-blocking impact remained a point of emphasis last season, with a run-block win rate of 77.7 percent, signaling room for improvement that the Broncos will likely target this season.
Bolles’ ascent has paralleled the Broncos’ strategic shift under head coach Sean Payton. Payton’s emphasis on developing the offensive line has paid dividends, with Bolles and his peers responding positively when given opportunities to grow. The distinction between Bolles’ run-blocking and pass-blocking performance did not go unnoticed by evaluators; Fowler cited an anonymous NFL coordinator who highlighted Bolles as a reliable pass protector who can hold his own without additional help. “Pass protection, he’s one of the most consistent,” the coordinator said. “He can handle his own without help. He was a big part of the Broncos’ success on offense last year.”
Beyond the field, Bolles is known as one of the Broncos’ most admirable teammates. A former Eagle Scout, he has maintained a strong community presence in the Denver area and has built a reputation as one of the franchise’s hardest workers. Bolles has credited both his quarterback and his mental preparation for his sustained growth and success. He has emphasized the role of meticulous preparation—focusing on film study, hand placement, and a disciplined mental approach—as essential to his development. “Doing the little things, by watching film, knowing where my hand placements are, doing a lot of hand drills, but mostly just a mental thing,” Bolles explained in his early career when he was facing struggles. “I spent a lot of time on the mental aspect. I had the physical tools to take care of the techniques, but if your mind is not right you can’t play this game.”
As Bolles continues to refine his game under Payton’s guidance, the Broncos’ investment in the offensive line should keep yielding dividends. His blend of reliable pass protection, respect within the league, and work ethic makes him a cornerstone of Denver’s front five, and his top-10 recognition in Fowler’s ranking reinforces how far he has come from the early, uneven stages of his career. With continued development in run-blocking efficiency and consistency, Bolles has the potential to further cement his status among the league’s premier offensive tackles while helping the Broncos maintain a potent and well-rounded offense.