STRENGTHS: Easy movement skills for a man of his size. Possesses very good initial quickness, lateral agility and balance, translating well to mirroring edge rushers in pass protection as well as blocking on the move in the running game. Gains good depth on his initial kick-step, sliding easily to his left and playing with bent knees and his butt down to effectively win the leverage battle. Shows a second burst to recover on the rare occasions in which he is late off the snap. At least average arm length for the position. Provides a powerful initial punch to slow defender and can erase opponents from the play when he latches on with accurate hand placement. Unlocks his hips on contact, looking to maul opponents, not just steer them. Seems to enjoy the physicality and challenge of one-on-one drive blocking, firing off the snap and moving defenders because of his power and use of leverage. Accelerates smoothly out of his stance when uncovered, showing burst, bend and vision to locate and lock onto defenders at the second level. Blocks to the echo of the whistle, showing the nastiness to endear him to NFL offensive line coaches, as well as the natural combination of size, strength and athleticism that earned him playing time at eight different positions in high school... Has matured after a troubling adolescence. Served on an LDS mission and is now married with a child.
WEAKNESSES: Can get lazy with his fundamentals, especially in pass protection, failing to keep his feet shuffling and allowing his hands to slide up and down the chest plate, leaving him vulnerable to swim moves. A bit reliant, at times, on his initial punch and agility to mirror, failing to latch on and control as consistently as he should. Already an older prospect than most at 24 and has only one season at the FBS level, following his JUCO transfer. Suffered through a tough adolescence, including a drug-addicted mother. Was reportedly suspended or kicked out of five schools as a teenager, for issues involving drugs, fights and vandalism before being taken in by his former lacrosse coach (Greg Freeman) and his wife, Emily. Spent nearly two years out of school and football working in garage door repair between high school and Snow College.
IN OUR VIEW: Though he is more of a grappler than a technician at this point, Bolles appears to possess long enough arms to remain on the outside at tackle in the NFL and he certainly has the feet and nastiness scouts are looking for. Bolles projects best in a zone-blocking scheme and if teams are comfortable with his troubled past, he could earn top 50 consideration.
COMPARES TO: Breno Giacomini, New York Jets: Bolles is more athletic than Giacomini (who also played left tackle in college) and therefore has a better chance at remaining on the blind side at the next level than the former Louisville standout. Bolles plays with a similar physicality and brawler mentality that has helped Giacomini emerge as a quality starting right tackle and possesses a greater upside due to his limited reps.
