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.
Originally Posted by Halfcan:
It is weird, when Skip Bayless loves this pick- quote- "when Bolton hits someone, they stay hit" but Chiefs fans hate it. Reverse world.
Also, it’s pretty obvious that the NFL doesn’t see Cox as anything more than a sub package LB because guys that are as good in coverage as him don’t usually go in round 4. [Reply]
Originally Posted by suzzer99:
I love this time of year. So full of promise. We just drafted Sam Mills, Mike Webster, Charles Haley, Dez Bryant, Travis Kelce, and Larry Allen.
I don't think anyone is saying that, but most seem pleased with how the Chiefs drafted. [Reply]
Originally Posted by ThyKingdomCome15:
No he was not. Cowboys picked him in the third. I had my eye on him. Never dreamed Bolton would fall to us. Bolton is the better player.
ESPN has him as being drafted in the 4th. Perhaps you were thinking of someone else? [Reply]
Originally Posted by RunKC:
Rumor is Jabril Cox fell bc of medical. He had a hamstring injury that made him miss offseason activities including his pro day.
Big steal for Dallas getting that kid in rd 4
A hamstring injury?
Yea I’m not buying that as the sole reason. [Reply]
Originally Posted by RunKC: Rumor is Jabril Cox fell bc of medical. He had a hamstring injury that made him miss offseason activities including his pro day.
Originally Posted by tredadda:
ESPN has him as being drafted in the 4th. Perhaps you were thinking of someone else?
Dang, guess my days were running together. I heard them call his name and looked up. I too am surprised he lasted that long.
With that said, Cowboys defense is gonna suck. We will murder them. They shoulda picked that Alabama DT in the second. Pats got him. Huge mistake. [Reply]
