Iowa offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was regarded as a surefire top-ten pick just days ago, but he slipped all the way to 23rd overall in the draft. Packers G.M. Ted Thompson hardly hesitated to scoop him up.
Bulaga slipped due to concerns about his arm length, lack of difference-making upside, and possibly a thyroid condition that cost him three games last season.
However, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year is a great fit in Green Bay’s zone-blocking scheme. He was a three-year starter in a similar system under Kirk Ferentz, and has the ability to play three positions on the line (left tackle, right tackle, left guard).
It remains to be seen how good Bulaga will be in real life, but we’ve got to think Thompson secured a lot of value here. Bulaga may project as injury-prone 34-year-old Chad Clifton’s long-term successor on the Aaron Rodgers’ blind side.