PHILADELPHIA—Former Utah offensive tackle Garett Bolles was selected 20th overall by the Denver Broncos in the 2017 NFL Draft.
He was the first offensive lineman taken in the draft, and is the first top-round selection from the Utes since Star Lotulelei was taken by Carolina in 2013.
Bolles, 24, transferred from Snow College to Utah in 2016, earning a starting position and was a key contributor in the Utes’ rush game. He elected to forego his senior year of eligibility to enter the NFL, and was in attendance at the Draft in Philadelphia.
Broncos President of Football Operations John Elway tweeted excitement immediately following the pick:
Excited that Garett Bolles was available for us to take w/our 1st rd pick. He was the most athletic tackle in the draft & plays w/toughness!
— John Elway (@johnelway) April 28, 2017
In Denver, Bolles will join former Ute running back Devontae Booker, who was picked in the fourth round of the 2016 draft and logged 612 yards on 174 carries for 4 touchdowns.
Welcome to #BroncosCountry, @gbolles74!#BroncosDraft pic.twitter.com/qz7o1mR7CM
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 28, 2017
Bolles, with an ear-to-ear grin, brought his son, Kingston, on the stage to greet league commissioner Roger Goodell, quickly winning hearts of viewers.
Newest Bronco Garett Bolles brought his baby to the draft stage in a suit https://t.co/lH1Zc2eY9k pic.twitter.com/DOdWZcTD25
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 28, 2017
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive line coach Jim Harding were also in attendance.
@Utah_Football pic.twitter.com/GUq3zsh2q5
— Jim Harding (@coachjharding) April 28, 2017
Several more Utes are expected to be selected during rounds 2-7 over the next two days, including safety Marcus Williams and offensive lineman Isaac Asiata.
The Draft can be heard live on ESPN 700.
