Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos
Getty
Garett Bolles #72 of the Denver Broncos reacts during the AFC Championship Playoffs against the New England Patriots.
The Denver Broncos are thin on draft capital heading into the 2026 event. However, they still have some areas they would like to shore up, particularly along the offensive line at tackle behind veterans Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey.
It is an idea that had already begun to gain traction from some on the outside looking in on the Broncos’ current group.
Now, momentum appears to be building internally.
Broncos Expected to Explore OTs in 2026 Draft
Mike McGlinchey, Denver Broncos
GettyMike McGlinchey #69 of the Denver Broncos lines up against the New Orleans Saints.
Bolles is the longest-tenured Broncos player, drafted 20th overall in 2017, and he has become one of the best at his position. McGlinchey has been a staple at right tackle since signing with the Broncos in free agency during the 2023 offseason.
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold noted the work the Broncos have done on this year’s crop of tight end prospects.
However, colleague Matt Miller pointed back to the offensive line.
“With only one pick inside the top 100, the Broncos must be strategic about how they’ll fill needs in this draft,” Miller wrote on April 9. “One position I’ve heard could be in play at No. 62 is offensive tackle, where Garett Bolles will turn 34 years old and Mike McGlinchey is 31.”
Bolles, a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro in 2025, is signed through 2028 on a four-year, $82 million contract. McGlinchey’s five-year, $87.5 million pact expires following the 2027 season.
Pro Football Focus ranked 10 OTs inside their top 101 prospects list on April 2.
The Broncos have but one selection inside that top 100 picks, not going on the clock until Pick No. 62. But they should be able to find a promising prospect there, or even if they decide to move back in an effort to secure more draft capital.
Broncos general manager George Paton has also left the door open for a trade to move up. This is expected to be a deal-heavy draft.
The Broncos must be mindful, though, as Paton has long acknowledged.
They have benefited so far from quarterback Bo Nix being on his rookie contract. That will change soon enough, with the 12th overall pick of the 2024 draft extension-eligible after next offseason.
Fleshing out the roster will become far more complex when it finally does. Moving around could leave the Broncos thin on the means to add cost-controlled talent as necessary.
Broncos Have In-House OT Options
Alex Palczewski, Denver Broncos
GettyAlex Palczewski #63 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Picking where the Broncos are makes it difficult to target specific players. However, Denver also has several internal options they can continue trying to develop behind Bolles and McGlinchey if the stars fail to align in the draft.
The Broncos are in better shape behind McGlinchey than Bolles.
Former undrafted free agents Alex Palczewski, who started 10 games at left guard in place of an injured Ben Powers last season, and Frank Crum are both right tackles.
Prospects generally need more development time and/or have a lower ceiling as the draft progresses. Offensive linemen, even those capable of playing such a valuable position as left tackle.
The Broncos having two high-level starters has made free agency an unlikely route so far.
That could change by this time next offseason, though. Having as many options on hand as possible would better set the Broncos up for success.