Denver Broncos: In-Depth 2017 NFL Draft Review

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Garett Bolles (Utah) holds his son Kingston Bolles as he poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he is selected as the number 20 overall pick to the Denver Broncos in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Garett Bolles (Utah) holds his son Kingston Bolles as he poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he is selected as the number 20 overall pick to the Denver Broncos in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes offensive lineman Garett Bolles (72) celebrates a touchdown by Utah Utes tight end Evan Moeai (not pictured) during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Washington won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes offensive lineman Garett Bolles (72) celebrates a touchdown by Utah Utes tight end Evan Moeai (not pictured) during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Washington won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Depth Chart Impact

Garett Bolles will have the biggest addition on the depth chart as he slides into the starting left tackle spot. Adding him to the mix means that the Broncos have more depth across the entire unit. Former starter, Ty Sambrailo can now be used as a swing tackle or fight for a starting job elsewhere.

Denver’s offensive line could quickly go from a weakness to a strength after their offseason moves. The starting group should feature Bolles at left tackle, Max Garcia at left guard, Matt Paradis at center, Ronald Leary at right guard and Menelik Watson at right tackle.

This leaves talented players like Sambrailo, Michael Schofield and Donald Stephenson on the bench.

Denver’s problems along the offensive line last year were a major contributor to them missing the playoffs. They just weren’t able to establish a consistent ground game nor were they able to protect the quarterback.

It shouldn’t be a shock that we saw both Paxton Lynch and Trevor Seimian have major ups and downs last year. Young and inexperienced quarterbacks need time in the pocket to see the field. We have seen younger quarterback have their careers derailed due to poor offensive line play.