Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
by Ed Valentine on Mar 12, 2010 11:00 AM EST
in 2010 NFL Draft
63 comments
[Remember to check the '2010 NFL Draft' section for all stories relating to the draft.]
Left tackle is the premier offensive line position. David Diehl has done a decent job protecting Eli Manning's blind side the past few seasons, but we know he is not a natural left tackle, nor an elite one.
There are several first-round caliber left tackles in this year's NFL Draft class. It will be interesting to see in what order they come off the board, and also whether our New York Giants are one of the teams that grabs one of these elite prospects.
We know all about the defensive needs, but drafting a potential stud at left tackle is an intriguing option. With that in mind, let's look at one of those prospects in our Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile. Today's subject will be Bryan Bulaga of Iowa.
Bryan Bulaga Scouting Reports
From SB Nation's Mocking the Draft.
Bulaga is as complete of an offensive tackle as there will be available for the 2010 NFL Draft. Clearly advanced for his age, Bulaga shows impressive body control and the nastiness to finish off blocks. His footwork is NFL-ready and he shows technical correctness in his hand use.
From Walter Football.
Summary: Bulaga has very good intangibles and I don't see much bust in him though the Robert Gallery comparisons are inevitable. There is a lot to like about Bulaga, but he doesn't have the amazing size of a Jake Long or elite athletic ability of a D'Brickashaw Ferugson to go in the top four picks. Bulaga will play very early on in his career and I expect him to come off the board between Picks 5 and 14. If Bulaga doesn't pan out at left tackle, he will be an All-Pro right tackle.
Player Comparison: Jake Long. Bulaga doesn't have Long's arm length or height, but they are comparable athletically and play with great technique. I love the physicality they bring to the table.
From NFL Draft Site.
Good pass protector. Athletic and physical. Very good footwork, technique, agility and quickness. Dictates the action with an opponent. Plays with a mean streak. Solid run blocker but inconsistent at times. Might have a thyroid condition that needs to be further examined. Ran a 5.26 at the combine with 26 reps on the bench (225 lbs).
From the National Football Post.
A technically sound offensive lineman who has the footwork, athleticism and body control to win in the run and pass game at the next level. Looks like a guy who can walk in and start from day one at the left tackle spot.
Why Baluga fits with the Giants
Because if the reports are correct he would provide an immediate upgrade to the Giants offensive line. No matter which side he and Will Beatty ended up on, the Giants would likely have bookend offensive tackles to anchor their offensive line for several years to come. The only problem is Bulaga seems likely to be gone before the Giants choose at No. 15.
Why the Giants should pass
Should they? With tackles Russell Okung, Anthony Davis, Trent Williams, Bruce Campbell and Charles Brown also likely to be first-round picks who knows how the Giants -- or anyone else -- will have them ranked. Okung is tops, after that it is anybody's guess. Aside from Okung, Bulaga might be the safest selection of the top-tier tackle prospects.
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com. Follow Big Blue View on Twitter.)
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And at #15
Bulaga would clearly be a BPA candidate. I’d love to see him be our “All-Pro RT”
He’s got the nastiness you’d want out of a mauling RT…but he’s actually quite good at pass blocking.
Master of the squeegee
Oh, Lord
The ‘Baby Baluga’ jokes are already starting. LOL!!
by Ed Valentine on Mar 12, 2010 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
A Note About Editor Posts
When posting a profile can you please spell his name right at least once? Just kidding Ed.
I think we need a RT and Baluga, I mean Bulaga fits the bill. Again, JR has said Beatty has a LT skill set so I think he will be given every chance to win the job. But having a guy like Bulaga that can run block and pass protect would be nice. He has a little mean streak in him.
Geez
Tough crowd. And, yes, I messed it up. But, hey, we’re having fun with it. And it’s fixed now.
by Ed Valentine on Mar 12, 2010 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
Haha..I mis-spelled his name also..Grrrrr!!!
He just went from sounding like an old car-horn to me..to some sort of gourmet Italian dish.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
..in fact I almost mis-spelled...mis-spelled..geez!
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
Im on board
This kid would be great for us. OL might be the way to go for many reasons but the main reason is we need to reward Eli for his great season and keep him off his back because i almost had a heart attack seeing some of the most feared pass rushers turned loose on him last year (peppers, ware, allen) also this pick would make our running backs better. I would love MLB at this spot but Baluga i would not mind at all.
But dont tell em i told you that !!!!!
You can never go wrong
upgrading the OL and DL. I agree w/Blue Gates, keeping Eli as clean as possible is a a good idea. Improving the OL will also improve the running game of course.
Having an improved offense and running game will also help keep the defense off the field.
Not a whole lot
of conversation generated for someone that has a realistic chance of being on the team next year.
Maybe...
it’s because we know we can all agree on this pick? The only way to keep Eli happy and healthy, along with openning holes for the RBs, is a great O-line. Ours is getting up there in the years and we need a youth injection along the offensive front. Bulaga (or, if drafted, can be something like Big Blue Beluga), could be a great bookend with Beatty. Snee and Diehl, along with O’Hara. That gives me confidence in knowing that Jacobs will actually have a hole to hit, unlike many times this year. Gilbride needs to know that Jacobs should be between tackles and Bradshaw off and outside tackle. I wonder if there is a chart we can create for him. My top three in order that I would like seen picked at 15, if they are still there: 1. McClain, 2. Spiller, 3. Bulaga.
I think we talked a bit about Bulaga yesterday
in the Tony Davis thread, as well as the Bruce Campbell thread too.
Since the combine, he hasn’t changed his stock much..he’s still probably the #2 OT in the draft..or at least the 2nd most likely to not bust aside from Okung.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
What I wanted as firat draft choice last
year was an OT. It would be ironic (personally) if they chose one first this year. I don’t think they will, unless they get an MLB via FA prior to the draft..
BALUGA..BALUGA..BALUGA!!!...
Kinda sounds like an old classic car-horn doesn’t it?
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
But....
I would love to have the OL upgraded and stabilized. However, I think to make this pick
> McClain has to be unavailable (still my first choice)
> Reese has to think that the DT and DE issues from last year (no run stop, no pass rush) will be solved by current personnel as they recover from injuries
> Reese also has to think that Diehl can play guard in place of Seubert; he is paid too much to be a backup tackle
That is assuming a lot.
If we are going to talk about the OL, I would like to see an evaluation of Maurkice Pouncey. He is supposed to be an outstanding center prospect and, at 325 pounds, is big enough to deal with the humongous nose tackles which are becoming more common in the league as more teams go 3-4. Shaun O’Hara has played very well, but he is the oldest starter on the team (33 when the season starts – in fact, with Feagles unsigned he may be the oldest player on the roster) and it is time to think about a replacement.
Mickey C
Pouncey would be an incredible choice. He could slide right into OG and either stay there or just take over for O’Hara eventually.
Problem is, that’s a big time reach around at #15 even if he is the best OC in the draft. And I highly doubt he’ll make it to #46. He could be an ideal trade back candidate should they trade back and then someone like Spoon is off the board.
The thing with O’Hara, he may be old, but he’s still arguably the team’s best lineman and has shown that he’s not slowing down…he may be getting better.
I know most don’t see him in the same caliber, but he’s a lot like Kevin Mawae, who’s still going strong.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
There's a center from Hawaii
John something, is supposed to be a sleeper. I was thinking about him as an eventual O’Hara replacement. (Although he does seem to be getting better with age.)
I left my swagger in my other pants.
John Estes
yes he’s very good.
Pouncey, JD Walton, Matt Tennant, Eric Olsen, Estes..there’s plenty others, this draft is a deep one for centers.
Most of em are capable of being OG’s too, which is good.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve seen a lot of mocks pegging Pouncey to the Colts. He grades out to where it is a big reach at 15 and unlikely that he’ll be there come 46.
As for O’Hara, I love him. I think he’s an ironman and one of the best centers in the league. Easily one of the smartest. The question for me is not could he play for a long time like Mawae, but will he? I know he has an interest in getting involved in coaching in some form after he is done playing. I wonder if in 2012 at the end of his current contract if he is going to look to retire and move on to that phase of his life.
Guard
Diehl’s natural position is guard, aren’t I correct on that one? Diehl > Seubert
More so RT then LG.
But Diehl started right away with the Giants as the LG and was very good. I really hope they move him there. DIehl and Beatty on the left side would be excellent IMO.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
Diehl has played
RG, RT and LG before becoming LT
I have no doubt that he can slide over to LG, and I think that he will be better. His weakness at LT was with speed pass rush. That is a non issue at G.
MHO on Beatty – his strength is arm length, balance and feet. He looks incredibly nimble for a man his size. Weakness, in pass blocking he seemed a bit over matched in strength (but Peppers is beastly strong and Edwards on Vikes has a good bull rush too)
Good points Mickey...
It would certainly be nice to see them start thinking about the future of our O-line..I have a feeling Dallas is going to be chasing after offensive linemen in the draft..and they will also compete for secondary picks..Of course there will be alot of teams doing the same but I hope our division rivals don’t cherry-pick draft picks on us.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
I would love a OL of
LT-Beatty LG-Diehl C-O’Hara RG-Snee RT-Bulaga.
Seubert can be a very good backup. And with Diehl being able to play every position but C it offers versatility. If Beatty were to go down Diehl can slide back to LT and Seubert replaces him.
Great propsect but
I just don’t see this guy being available at #15. The more I look at it the more I think Davis is probably the only OT that might be available at #15, and there is are reasons he’d be available there. If one of the high caliber guys like Bulaga does slide it would be very hard to pass up. I just don’t see the slide happening.
Off of CBS.com
“Bulaga is probably a left tackle but had a thyroid issue this season which might scare some teams from taking him in the top 10” – Chad Reuter, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com
All you have to do is say “he’ll be gone by #15” and we all want him!!! Like waving a red cape!
But BB at RT and Beatty at LT looks awful good!
Williams
He is to some people. To others, he is a left tackle. One site praises his run blocking and criticizes his pass blocking. The next site reverses. He is either inconsistent or people just have it in for him (had money on OK winning the national title?)
I hope the Redskins see him as a LT (I've heard rumblings...)
and draft him #4. Trent Williams is NOT a LT, that’s for sure (regardless of his athleticism…he doesn’t have the instincts for it)
Bulaga is maybe better off as a RT then the LT, cuz of his arm length (33 1/4 is OK for a LT, but not optimal…Russ Okung has 36" arms…Beatty has 34 3/4" arms).
His relative lack of athleticism, compared to Will Beatty at least, would make him a RT on the Giants and given his intangibles…I’d take Bulaga anyday over Trent Williams for any spot, that’s for sure.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Okung is probably there at #4
I don’t see any reason why the skins if they want to go LT (which I’m sure they do) don’t go Okung.
the Lions could (should)
go with Okung.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Suh or McCoy
is where I expect the Lions to go. Shwartz wants his new Haynesworth. That doesn’t mean Okung would be bad for them, but they used their big pick on offense last year.
I agree..and they probably will go with Suh or McCoy
thing is, Jeff Sackus will be forcing that big pick of last year…to potentially be David Carr of yesteryear.
Russ Okung would be the best LT in last years draft too…and also, the Lions passed up Mike Oher and Will Beatty (I thank you)…and 2 teams got franchise LT’s because of it.
Suh or McCoy may be BPA…….but Matthew Stafford is THE player on the Lions taht takes them places.
Jeff Sackus sucks. Russ Okung would be an instant upgrade.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
2010 Draft
With the Gmen picking up Rolle, that gives Mr. Reese and company so much more flexibility. They really could just go for the best player available, regardless of position (except WR & QB). O line, D line, LB, its all good. If somehow CJ Spiller is available at #15, take him. If it is Brian Price, go for it. If it is one of the numerous O lineman, cool. I am so not worried about the draft this year.
Out of Bulaga, Spiller, McClain and Morgan....
We’ll be lucky if ONE of them is there at number #15. If one is, I wouldn’t be surprised that he’ll be the Giants pick. I have no problem with taking Bulaga if Reese has him rated BPA and he’s available – just keep him away from the Mets medical people, or his thyroid will keep him from ever seeing the field. Looks like a relatively safe, QUALITY pick from here.
Good list
I’d throw Weatherspoon in there as the 5th option if all are gone.
I’m completely off the Brian Price bandwagon, and I think they could get a big run stuffing DT in round 2 or 3 (Cam Thomas or Linval Joseph…Joseph is a hell of an athlete for a 6"5 330lbs man)
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
I thought Spoon would be a bit of reach at #15...
Has his stock risen that high?
could be a trade back option
but also, the Tits at #16 lost Bullock, so maybe they want a WLB?
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Still like a trade for Morrison...
to not have to juggle the draft around MLB. I’d rather let them reach than us.
15 is not a reach
I would rather get Spoon at 15 then risk the Eagles getting him at 24. However with all the possible scenarios we will be getting very good value with this pick.
Great!
“Plays with a mean streak”. Good, he’s not only an athlete, but also a football player. I wouldn’t be surprised if Reese drafts the guy if he falls
I'm kind of in the same corner with Ed..this draft holds an unusual amount of talent at
Several positions that we need to think about..There are alot of teams that pick ahead of us looking for a QB, others like Dallas will be looking at their O-line options..I may be wrong but I haven’t heard about alot of teams clamoring for DTs, nor MLBs..So I think we have the opportunity to completely fix our defense..I think I’m going to start losing my hair over all of this..
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
If the Eagles get Edwards
We will need two studs at OT to deal with that tandem.
I just read that the Eagles are expected to make a big push for Edwards. Now I expect the Vikings to make it a priority to keep him. But if the Eagles were to get him, that might put a little more urgency in the Giants plans to upgrade the O line with a first round stud, don’t you think?
Off topic..Simms..is supposed to be in Miami and was going to e-mail me to meet up
For a lunch, beer and some laughs..I haven’t heard from him..He went awol on me just like Ed did..If he is on vacation I feel sorry for him because we are have monsoons down here…but last I checked it doesn’t rain inside the restaurants down here..So I will have to give him the business when he gets back..lol
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
No thanks!
No upside, he has OK technique but technique alone is not going to be able to handle freaks like D-Ware and Trent Cole.
He might actually be the least athletic player that is likely to be drafted in the first round in the last ~5 years.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 12, 2010 7:08 PM EST reply actions
A stud OT would be fine with me in round one
but I don’t really know who among the top prospects would be best.
Hey Ed
Good radio show last night buddy. Patricia and you covered some good topics. I will check out more in the future for sure and give a call into the show one night.
GO NY GIANTS!!
What station is that broadcast on?..I'm wondering if I can pick it up on my Sirious..
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
Hello
It wa on blog talk radio I believe the name is. Ed posted a link to the show the other day.
GO NY GIANTS!!
Thanks Rob..I'm going to look it up..
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
Here's an off topic funny thing..while we figure out who we pick..
I think of my Dad (God rest his soul)..quite often…All the great times we had rooting for the Giants while growing up..Well, my Dad and Mom visited me when I was in Flight School in Lackland..It was sort of like a ‘Family Day’ kind of thing..Family members could tour the facilities have lunch, etc.. Well my Dad never liked to be confined in tight places..He had a phobia over that stuff..He couldn’t even sit in the backseat of a car without feeling sick..but I convinced him to go into a flight simulator with me to show him how I fly (they are extremely realistic)..Well, we get all strapped in there and off we go..He was a nervous wreck..Well I screwed up and the damn thing started shaking and rattling and my Dad hollers: “What the hell is going on !!”..So I told him “We are going to crash and burn”..He went nuts…Now my Dad never threw out F-bombs, but after the simulated crash he hollered:“Get me the fuck out of this thing !!!..Your going to fly one of these ?!?”
I told him that we were not actually flying..but he didn’t care..He wanted out !!haha..We always laughed about that over the years..
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
Funny story
Good to know you are a military man. Respect. I won’t even hold it against you that you were a flyboy.
Lol!!..Thanks wilba..Especially for not holding the 'flyboy' against me haha..Not anymore.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
That is very true..Everyone builds their own treasure chest of family memories..
And they get passed down from generation to generation..
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
Couldn't argue with this pick
Protecting Eli should be a high priority.
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