The Chargers bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday by agreeing to a deal with former Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga.
In order to get familiar with the 30-year old Bulaga, here are six things to know about him:
Top tackle prospect coming out of college
Bulaga attended the University of Iowa starting in 2007, where he played left guard and was named starter in his true freshman year. In 2008, he kicked outside to left tackle. For his efforts, he earned a second-team All-Big Ten Selection. In 2009 and his final year for the Hawkeyes, he was named the Big Ten’s offensive lineman of the year. He skipped his senior season to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, where he was the No. 23 overall selection by the Packers.
Raised eyebrows right off the bat
The offensive tackle position is arguably one of the toughest positions for first-year players, but it was no challenge for Bulaga. He began the 2010 season as a backup before making his first start in Week 5 against the Redskins. He started every single game from that point on, eventually being named to the NFL’s All-Rookie team. At 21 years and 322 days old, Bulaga became the youngest player to start in a Super Bowl, in which he and the Packers went on to defeat the Steelers.
Injury history is lengthy
During the 2012 NFL season, Bulaga injured his hip and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. The former Hawkeye has been through two ACL reconstructions, one in 2013 and the other in 2017. However, he recovered from both surgeries quicker than anticipated and followed up each season with high quality play. Bulaga has started 111 of his 115 games over the past nine seasons, demonstrating exemplary toughness.
Familiar with new offensive line coach
Bulaga joins former position coach James Campen. Campen, the Packers’ former offensive line coach whom the Chargers hired last month, coached Bulaga from 2010 through 2018. In a few of those seasons together, Green Bay ranked in the top-10 in the league in scoring, top-10 in total offense, as well as three of the top four single-season yardage marks in franchise history.
Seasoned veteran
Even though he has never made a Pro Bowl, Bulaga has played at a level comparable to the best right tackles in the NFL. In nine seasons, Bulaga played in four NFC championship games, displaying the postseason experience. In each of his full seasons since 2014, Bulaga has ranked among the 10 best right tackles in Pro Football Focus’ pass-blocking grade, with three ranking in the top three. This past season was arguably one of his best. Bulaga graded at 73.3 as a pass blocker and 79.4 as a run blocker. He only gave up four sacks and committed seven penalties.
How he fits with Chargers
Bulaga will take Sam Tevi’s spot on the right side. His dominance in pass protection will be beneficial for whoever is the starter under center, especially if it’s a left-handed quarterback, possibly Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa. Assuming the Chargers are shifting to a zone scheme, Bulaga has shown the ability to excel in that scheme this past season when Packers coach Matt LaFleur implemented it.