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.
The kid just really doesn't have any serious flaws.
Exactly.
This kid has an incredibly high football IQ and a nose for the ball. He's not some dumbass who makes the roster by just happening to be a high level athlete.
He's the exact kind of linebacker you want to be your QB of the defense. Smart, Physical and Tough. It's a bit of an old school pick but quite frankly our defense could use some old school toughness. [Reply]
Originally Posted by MAHOMO 4 LIFE!:
After reading up on him how did he last till 58? He seems like an awesome player and someone who can play all 3 downs
He was the BPA on multiple outlets when we picked him and was considered a potential late first by a few. And he was at a position of severe need.
As far as value goes, we really could not have done any better. [Reply]
People get too caught up on combine numbers. The combine for the most part doesn't matter. He's going to bring more nastiness to the D and I love it. Can't wait to see him crush a few RBs. [Reply]
Yeah the athleticism is definitely over blown. He has better measurable than Lavonte David who is still kicking ass at 31. The Willie Gay’s of the world are so rare. And those that have Gay’s athleticism with more and better film just aren’t going to make it to where we pick. See Jamin Davis [Reply]
anyone think Bolton could simply take Niemann’s role this year?
He’s clearly really smart and more athletic, physical than Niemann. Why not? I think that’d be a great role for his rookie year if they don’t trust Gay to call the defense out of the dime. [Reply]
I’ll tell ya, I’m REALLY tired of the analytics horseshit regarding the LB position being devalued..
Easiest way to make it clear you don’t understand football. Linebackers have to play both run and pass unlike any other player out there on defense. Just think of the great defenses of the past 15-20 years and how many of them included incredible linebackers.
Just something that grinds my gears from some Chiefs analysts. [Reply]
Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19:
I’ll tell ya, I’m REALLY tired of the analytics horseshit regarding the LB position being invaluable.
Easiest way to make it clear you don’t understand football. Linebackers have to play both run and pass unlike any other player out there on defense. Just think of the great defenses of the past 15-20 years and how many of them included incredible linebackers.
Just something that grinds my gears from some Chiefs analysts.
Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19:
anyone think Bolton could simply take Niemann’s role this year?
He’s clearly really smart and more athletic, physical than Niemann. Why not? I think that’d be a great role for his rookie year if they don’t trust Gay to call the defense out of the dime.
I don’t see why not. Niemann knows the scheme in and out I’m sure, but that’s about the only advantage he has.
It’s not like Niemann really does anything all that well. He’s bad at just about everything. Even if Bolton struggles a bit at first, is that any worse than Niemann? [Reply]
Originally Posted by smithandrew051:
I don’t see why not. Niemann knows the scheme in and out I’m sure, but that’s about the only advantage he has.
It’s not like Niemann really does anything all that well. He’s bad at just about everything. Even if Bolton struggles a bit at first, is that any worse than Niemann?
That’s my POV.
Even if Bolton or Gay have their own flaws, don’t they have to be better than Niemann at this point for the dime? Gay should know the defense better and Bolton will catch on quick. [Reply]