Nico

Bolden

The report comes from the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. The Broncos are now without three safeties following Brandon Jones’ Friday hamstring strain, though Jones is expected to return in two weeks. Bolden’s initial NFL dreams were dashed by a torn meniscus suffered at his 2023 pro day. He played in seven games with the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks this season, earning a 68.2 PFF defense grade for his efforts. Bolden functions primarily as a box safety but has some free safety versatility.

Bolden’s Vanderbilt official is set in stone for November 17. His visits to Washington State and Syracuse don’t have dates to them, yet, but the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder figures to be settling on those in the coming days. In addition to these three contenders for his commitment, two other players are pushing hard -- those being Wyoming and North Dakota State. Scout.com notes that the Woodbury, Minnesota, native "[d]oes a nice job of reading plays and getting to the ball” and that he "[c]hanges directions well and takes good angles.” The outlet believes his best collegiate fit would come at linebacker.

Bolden had committed to Vanderbilt in November, but HC Derek Mason was unable to hold onto his pledge when all was said and done. The 6-foot-4, 195-pounder ranks as the No. 2 safety prospect in the state of Minnesota for the current cycle. Scout.com sees him eventually playing linebacker due to his frame. “In order to fully transition to linebacker,” the outlet notes, “he will have to get stronger and get used to taking on blocks when closer to the line of scrimmage.” They believe that his work as a safety at Woodbury High will benefit him should he make that transition, as he figures to have a good eye as a coverage backer with that experience.