2010 NFL Draft Profiles - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

by Graham Filler on Jan 21, 2010 5:37 PM CST

Bulaga_medium

Name: Bryan Bulaga

Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL

Height: 6'6''

Weight: 310 lbs.

40 Time: 4.92

Strengths: Mauler, athletic, mean, long arms, an Iowa Hawkeye OL, tenacious, good footwork, great blocking fundamentals, work ethic.

Weaknesses: Not quite strong enough, not a great pass blocker.

Comparisons: Joe Thomas

Discussion: Didn't shock anyone by leaving for the NFL, but it felt like a warm Iowan hug everytime you knew he was starting at tackle, so he will be missed. My favorite Bulaga moments? Iowa would be killing clock at the end of games and O'Keefe would call run after run on Bulaga's side. Tired DL's would cave in game after game in 2009. See GT, Indiana, PSU. And on the edge of your screen you would see big #79 pushing someone out of the way, finding some poor linebacker on the second level.

The second biggest compliment an offensive lineman can get is being called "a mauler." It means BB possesses a mean streak and the ability to not just block someone, but destroy them too. Joe Thomas, now an All-Pro OL, then an All-American at Wisky, is probably the best comparison because they have the exact same body type, have already grasped the fundamentals of offensive line blocking, and possess the physical tools to dominate defenders.

The injury this year didn't affect a single thing, draft wise. After adjusting to game speed, it seemed that BB was back to his 2008 self. Most draftniks mention the injury, but not in a overly negative light.

NFL Draft Probability: #14 overall, #4 OL Overall.

Mocking the Draft, in one of their many mock's, have mocked Bulaga to the Seahawks with the 14th pick. That would be a instant need filling pick. OT's go quickly in this draft and the other studs to possibly go in front of BB are:

Russell Okung OT, Oklahoma State

Bruce Campbell OT, Maryland

Anthony Davis OT, Rutgers

Here is the latest mockery, 20th to the Texans. That would be a perfect fit for BB - a solid passing game exists in Houston, while Bulaga could improve there horrendous run game. I get the feeling he's going to go earlier though - there isn't a single part of his game that worries scouts and I think people will get a bit excited over mauling run-blockers after seeing another Iowan, Shonn Greene, succeed behind a powerful Jets O-Line.

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Not sure Bulaga has the raw power or lateral speed to succeed in the pros

He’s technically sound and has a good mean streak, but he’s lacking that top-end explosiveness and strength that makes for a franchise tackle, not to mention he’s going to be prone to get beat by experienced, quick DEs with good technique. I could see him switching to guard and having a good, even great career there, but I don’t think he’s the elite tackle that teams like to build an OL around.

I guess time will tell though

Brunettes not fighter jets

by rockyh on Jan 22, 2010 2:08 PM CST reply actions

If you saw the DL cave in during the PSU game, it wasn't because of Bulaga.

He sat that game out with his thyroid condition. Reiff was (very capably) manning the LT spot in that game.

Other than that, I agree with your assessment of Bulaga. Good luck to him in the pros.

"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"

by RossWB on Jan 26, 2010 9:33 AM CST reply actions

really

damn. My fault, of course, I do know that Indiana caved at the end, so did GT…But apparently PSU caved without our boy BB.

I just learned today what a thyroid condition was…weird and wacky stuff.

The Rivalry, Esq.

by Graham Filler on Jan 26, 2010 10:02 PM CST up reply actions

I don't necessarily agree

If you ever read about Doyle’s strength program, much of what is said is that he develops “football strength,” but not necessarily overall strength. And if you then couple that with Iowa’s history of churning out high-quality OL, though often not for the first few years in the league (good with technique, but rarely start off dominant), then I start to wonder if they have to bulk up a bit before they can make it (?).

My point is that I think Bulaga can do it, but it may take him a few years to get the brawn necessary to start at LT. He’ll get there, as his technique is impeccable, but he has to get bigger. We’ll see, I suppose.

by imadirtyoldman on Jan 26, 2010 2:03 PM CST reply actions