Former Arizona State cornerback Omar Bolden didn’t play last fall as a senior while recovering from a knee injury but said he’s back to full speed for the Broncos.
On Saturday, Denver used the first (sixth selection, No. 101 overall) of its two fourth-round picks on Bolden, who also may contribute as a kick returner.
Bolden (5-foot-10, 195 pounds) tore an ACL during 2011 spring drills. Despite missing the season, he was named a team captain for the Sun Devils.
“I’ve got my speed back; I’m ready,” Bolden told reporters at Dove Valley on a teleconference.
When healthy, Bolden showed the potential to rank among the nation’s best cornerbacks. He was named to several freshman All-America teams in 2007 and finished his career with seven interceptions.
As a kickoff returner, he averaged 30.8 yards on 17 returns, with two touchdowns.
“Any time I can get my hands on the football, I like it,” Bolden said.
Of course, Bolden will join one of his college teammates as a Broncos rookie. Denver expended a second-round pick on ASU quarterback Brock Osweiler.
“He’s a great locker room guy, a great guy to be around,” Bolden said.
Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State
Round 4 (101st overall pick)
Measurables: 5-10 1/2, 202 pounds Was one of the strongest defensive backs at the scouting combine with 24 repetitions in the bench press Ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at his April pro day.
Vital statistics: Bolden missed the 2011 season because of a torn left anterior cruciate ligament – he suffered the injury in April Also missed eight games in 2009 with a knee injury Played in 41 games in career as a four-year starter.
Honors: Was a freshman All American in 2007 Was named to the All Pac 10 first team in 2010 Given one of the school’s Hard Hat awards for his work in the team’s offseason program.
High School days: At Colony High School (Ontario, Calif.) Bolden was one of the fastest prep prospects in the nation, running a 4.35 40-yard dash at the Scout.com Los Angeles combine Led his conference (Mount Baldy League) in scoring and rushing yards in 2006.
Upside: Was one of the fastest players in college football and plays the ball well with at least six pass break-ups in three of his seasons. Active player who had 52 tackles from the secondary in 2010 to go with 49 tackles in 2008. High enough character that he was named a team captain this past season despite the fact he was out for the year. Can also play in the return game.
Question marks: A huge medical question given he lost most of two seasons with knee injuries, including ACL surgery a year ago – he suffered the injury in the Sun Devils’ 2011 spring practices.
— Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
