2017 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah

The New York Giants need help on the offensive line. They need 2015 first rounder Ereck Flowers to play better and more consistently. They need more from their right tackle, and they need to fill the void at right guard.

Fans might have hoped that the Giants would be able to find at least one upgrade in free agency, but as of this writing, what few true upgrades there are (as opposed to just the same play with a different name attached) were far outside of the Giants’ budget.

Their other option is the much less satisfying one of trusting offensive line coach Mike Solari to do his job with the players on the roster and turn to the draft to supplement the talent pool.

If the Giants’ front office decides that they need to add an offensive tackle, Utah left tackle Garett Bolles is at the top of many lists when it comes to the offensive tackle class.

Measurables

Pros

• Great frame for the position with prototypical length.
• Plays with a nasty streak. Never lets up and looks to bury blockers at the second level.
• Great athlete and has quick, agile feet in pass protection.
• Compensates for his weight with a wide base.
• Quickly works to the second level and is a capable puller

Cons

• Old for a rookie at 25 years old. Might not have the physical upside of younger prospects -- Will also be 29 by the end of his rookie contract
• Only one year of starting experience.
• Needs to continue to work on his technique and hone his craft as a tackle
• Light for an NFL tackle at 297 pounds.

Does He Fit With The Giants?

Absolutely.

While his age and lack of experience are issues, Bolles looks like an immediate starter.

As a pass protector, he has the feet, hands, and technique to be competent right off the bat, and he is suited to both a zone running scheme or a power scheme as a pulling tackle.

He likely needs to add muscle at the NFL level, and that is one area where his age might be a factor. While he is able to use his feet and technique to gain both functional and play leverage to offset his (relatively) svelte build, there are plays where a quick bull rush can send him sprawling. On the other hand, when he makes first contact, the impact often has defenders’ heads snapping back.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - 25th overall

Mocking The Draft - N/A

CBS Sports - (Incomplete)

Draft Countdown - 24th overall

Draft Tek - 43rd overall

Final Thoughts

The 2017 offensive tackle class isn’t a stout one. It has some players, but lacks the kind of top-end star power that we have grown accustomed to seeing. That, plus the incredible talent at the premier edge rusher and defensive back positions, makes estimating the draft stock of the top tackles a tricky proposition.

They all have some kind of wart, and with better players at prized positions, they could slip. However, the NFL is starved for good offensive line play -- And if you needed any reminder of that, take a look at the contracts signed on the first day of free agency. Almost every year there are offensive linemen, usually tackles, who are “over drafted” because there just aren’t 64 good offensive tackles in the world.

Where will the top linemen go this year? Will the Giants have the opportunity to draft one in the first round? There’s no way to be sure as of now.