Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Ht: 6’ 5 3/8” Wt: 314
EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Bulaga is a great value at this point. Experienced in a pro-style offense, he could immediately step in and start at left tackle for the Packers. Aaron Rogers' jersey should have less grass stains on it next season.
Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Nearly the prototype from a measurables standpoint, save for less-than-exceptional arm length, and comes from a program with a rich tradition of producing well-coached, blue-collar offensive linemen. Solid technician who possesses the athletic ability and balance coveted in a blind-side protector along with the physicality and playing temperament highly desired on the right side. May wind up fitting at left guard but has the mental makeup, intelligence and toughness to develop into a Pro Bowl player. Versatility is a big plus, with potential to play any of four positions.
NFL projection: Top-10 pick.
GM Jr’s scouting report: Bulaga is a two-year starter at LT for the Hawkeyes in 2009. He also started five games at LG back in 2007. He has a very good frame with decent arm length & definite growth potential to add for the position at the next level. He is an exceptional overall athlete with explosive initial quickness, fluid hips, & great balance for the position. He needs to improve his consistency & overall strength, in order to be a productive starter at the NFL level as a rookie. His weaknesses are all correctable with more time & physical maturation. He is more of a position run blocker, than a physical, mauler type. He uses his quickness, agility & lower body flexion to gain position on defenders. He has the fluid hips and quick feet to slid & adjust to sustain his blocks once engaged. He will flash a strong punch & nasty finish, but not all the time. He can reach, pull, double, single & block down effectively in the rung game. In pass protection, he has ideal size, agility & toughness to block the top edge pass rushers at the next level. He gets depth quickly & shows great balance & sustain after contact. He needs to improve his punch & lower body strength to anchor down better against real strong bull rushers. He is late to transition from his kick steps to his power slide to shut-off the quick inside counter move at times. Overall, he is a strong candidate to draft & start as a rookie due to his size, smarts athletic ability, & lower body flexibility for the position. However, he really needs another year at the college level to develop more consistency with his techniques, as well as to mature more physically. At this point, he simply cannot be compared to either former Wolverine Jake Long, selected first overall in 2008 or former Badger Joe Thomas, who was taken 3rd overall back in 2007. If he stays for his senior season in Iowa City, he may put himself into the top ten picks of the 2011 draft. If he comes out in 2010, he compares most t former Chippewa Joe Staley, who was the 28th overall selection by the 49ers in 2007.
Lindy’s Sports scouting report: Bulaga’s run blocking is exceptional, especially for a zone system similar to what he ran at Iowa, but he could struggle with speed rushers and lacks great recovery speed. His 3-game absence during the season due to a thyroid problem will also worry scouts. Apparently it was a short-term issue, but his medical checks will be thorough. If the risk of a relapse is considered small, he’ll hear his name called sometime in the first round.
Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695
GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/
Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332
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