The Packers decided to shuffle up their offensive line after giving quarterback Aaron Rodgers a big new contract this offseason, sliding Bryan Bulaga to left tackle and Josh Sitton to left guard from the same positions on the right side of the line.
Bulaga played left tackle at Iowa before moving to the right side to replace Mark Tauscher as a rookie so he’s familiar with the position, making it easier for him to accept the change even though he acknowledges that there will be difficulties picking up the nuances of playing it at the NFL level. Bulaga said he’s “excited” about those challenges and never thought twice about making the move.
“They approached me, told me and that was that,” Bulaga said, via Mike Vandermause of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “When they told me I was going to switch, (that) I was going to play left tackle, just do whatever I’m told that’s going to help the team. That’s kind of the way I operate.”
If the move goes well, it will be a win for the Packers as a team and Bulaga as an individual. Good protection for Rodgers should lead to eye-popping offensive numbers and another trip to the playoffs, which would lead to a lot of attention for Bulaga at the marquee position on the offensive line. Bulaga’s contract is up after the 2014 season and there’s no doubt that negotiating as a successful left tackle leads to more lucrative paydays than you’ll find on the right side of the line.
Add that to the good feelings generated by your team asking you to play an important position and it’s easy to understand why Bulaga’s excited about his new role.