Chicago Bears Should Target Utah OT Garrett Bolles in 2017 NFL Draft
Utah offensive tackle Garrett Bolles would be a great 2017 NFL Draft target for the Chicago Bears.
We all know the Chicago Bears needs this upcoming offseason. The Bears have many needs in the secondary and would love to upgrade the quarterback position.
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Most of the speculation that has surfaced since the end of the season has been centered around cornerbacks, safeties and the quarterback position. In the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, those positions may be the most likely candidates, but in the second round, the Bears should target Utah offensive tackle Garett Bolles.
Many mock drafts have the Bears taking a player in the secondary or Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen with the third overall pick. Allen is a beast and the Bears could certainly use some help in the defensive backfield.
In the second round, Texas Tech’s Pat Mahomes II and Miami’s Brad Kaaya are the names people are talking about. Will Mahomes still be available at number 36? Is Kaaya talented enough to be taken there?
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Teams always reach to quarterbacks in the draft and the numbers of teams that could eye one in the first round could rise if the reports are true. Don’t be surprised if Mahomes gets picked in the top 25 because of that.
For that reason, finding a quarterback outside the draft could be the answer. If that happens, the Bears could look for other positions to draft. This year offensive line prospects are a little bit thin and defensive players could rule the first round. This could make a guy like Bolles fall from first round and be there for the Bears.
Listed at 6-5, 300 pounds Bolles is a big and extremely strong offensive tackle prospect. He did a great job as a JUCO transfer for Utah and, making life easier for running back Joe Williams with amazing run blocking at left tackle position for the Utes.
Bolles is an extremely powerful run blocker who can dominate at the point of attack right away. That being said, he is a step slow out of the box and can struggle against speed in pass protection on the edge.
He is not a perfect prospect right now, but Bolles has a lot of upside at the next level. He could step in as the Bears immediate starter at right tackle and could switch over the left side if he improves his pass protection skills.
Regardless, Bolles is an incredible run blocker who will make a difference up front right away on the ground. If the Bears add Bolles to the mix, Jordan Howard will have an even better year in 2017.
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Bolles will turn 25-years-old weeks after the draft, and that could be a problem for some people. Not for me. I like Bolles’ game as a whole and think he would be a great addition to the mix for the Chicago Bears. If the Bears find their new quarterback before the draft, and Bolles is there in the second round, I would make the pick without any doubt.