Originally Posted by :
Bolton played in all 13 games as a true freshman (22 tackles, one sack) after earning Dallas Morning News first-team all-state honors at Lone Star High School (130 tackles, 16 for loss, five interceptions). He went from promising youngster to SEC star in 2019, earning first-team all-conference honors after leading the league with 8.9 tackles per game (107 total, 7.5 for loss), intercepting two passes and breaking up eight others in 12 starts. He was named second-team Associated Press All-American, first-team All-SEC and a Butkus Award finalist in 2020, leading his defense with 95 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss (including two sacks), while breaking up five passes in 10 starts. Bolton's father, Carlos, played football at Louisiana Tech. -- by Chad Reuter
Overview
When you think about strong, forceful inside linebackers, Bolton is the type of player you might be envisioning. He's going to fall below typical NFL starter standards from a size standpoint, but his rugged frame and forceful demeanor help make up for it. Play recognition and pursuit instincts help carry him to the football and he's a message-sending striker when he gets the runner squared up. He has functional short-area burst between the tackles but will struggle to run down the outside run if he's not close enough to the action. He will need to lean heavier on his instincts to help speed him up because of size and speed limitations. Bolton plays with good field recognition when dropping into zone and has a history of making plays on the football in coverage. He's a three-down linebacker who can make an immediate contribution on special teams and has the potential to become a future starter. Strengths
Very tough with a physical edge.
Plays with demeanor teams look for in the middle.
Field-savvy with instincts to diagnose misdirection.
Identifies and communicates.
Heavy hands with good pop to take on blocks.
Pursues ball-carrier with patience and leverage.
Fluid alterations to his pursuit angles.
Excellent feel for attack timing downhill.
Meets runners with violent collisions in the hole.
Strikes like he's trying to send a message.
Great awareness and ballhawking as spot dropper.
Has enough man-cover talent to play on all three downs.
Thrived on kick- and punt-cover teams early in his career.
Weaknesses
Average lateral quickness traps him behind climbing blocks.
Inconsistent to strike and separate from blockers.
Needs to improve angles to elude box traffic.
Might need to take a few more chances as a pro.
Top-end speed appears below average.
Loses ground when pursuit flows wide.
Below-average lateral agility as open-field tackler.
Will have to play quicker to deal with NFL slashers.
Not sure I can remember a Chiefs LB I've personally seen that has better all around vision and reliable tackling than this guy. What a nose for the ball. As explosive as you could possibly ask for. And he's only in his second year. I look forward to the Bolton/Gay combo for the upcoming years. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Fish:
Not sure I can remember a Chiefs LB I've personally seen that has better all around vision and reliable tackling than this guy. What a nose for the ball. As explosive as you could possibly ask for. And he's only in his second year. I look forward to the Bolton/Gay combo for the upcoming years.
He's amazing. If he gets his hands on you, it's fucking OVER. You're going down. I bet his forearms could crush a lead pipe. FOURTEEN tackles. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chiefspants:
Bolton is actually the player that many drunk, bald, middle aged shirtless loudmouths in mid 2000's era Arrowhead thought Mike Maslowski was.
Originally Posted by Hammock Parties:
He's amazing. If he gets his hands on you, it's ****ing OVER. You're going down. I bet his forearms could crush a lead pipe. FOURTEEN tackles.
Originally Posted by Hammock Parties:
He's amazing. If he gets his hands on you, it's fucking OVER. You're going down. I bet his forearms could crush a lead pipe. FOURTEEN tackles.
Don’t forget the forced fumble and game winning INT. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chiefspants:
Bolton is actually the player that many drunk, bald, middle aged shirtless loudmouths in mid 2000's era Arrowhead thought Mike Maslowski was.
If he's this good in this era, just imagine him in those days. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Hammock Parties:
He's amazing. If he gets his hands on you, it's ****ing OVER. You're going down. I bet his forearms could crush a lead pipe. FOURTEEN tackles.
I don't remember the last time that in open space against a guy like Eckler I had full confidence in a Chief to bring him down. He does it like it's not even a a concern too. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Hammock Parties:
He's amazing. If he gets his hands on you, it's fucking OVER. You're going down. I bet his forearms could crush a lead pipe. FOURTEEN tackles.
He tackled a guy by the head tonight. Like wrapped up the guys helmet in his giant sticky mutant paws. Never seen a tackle like that... [Reply]
