This Broncos Starter Won't Be Back in 2021

Denver Broncos left tackle Garrett Bolles
Denver Broncos left tackle Garrett Bolles / Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

If there is one area on the revamped Denver Broncos that could derail their 2020 season, it's the offensive line. Specifically, the chief offender is disappointing left tackle Garrett Bolles.

Bolles has already seen his fifth-year option declined by the Broncos, as John Elway has already set up a perfect path for ditching the former Utah Ute in favor of a more reliable left tackle. Come this time next year, don't expect to see him around Mile High.

Bolles, a former first-round pick, has an inspiring life story that is a Lifetime original movie in the making, but his play on the field over the last few years has underwhelmed. He has routinely graded as one of the worst pass-blocking left tackles in football, and his propensity to get big plays negated due to holding has earned him a spot in the doghouse among Broncos fans.

Denver has provided franchise quarterback Drew Lock with new interior lineman via the Dalton Risner pick in 2019 and the Lloyd Cushenberry selection in 2020, but an upgrade at left tackle is needed.

The Giants and Jets both gave their young quarterbacks new left tackles in the 2020 NFL Draft, and the Broncos will likely do the same for Lock in 2021 as they get rid of Bolles.