Bryan Bulaga, Los Angeles Chargers
With the assumed arrival of one of the 2020s highly touted young quarterbacks prior to the draft, the Los Angeles Chargers knew that the offensive line was likely in need of a boost. Rather than continuing with 31-year-old Russell Okung as their cornerstone left tackle, the Chargers pulled off possibly the trade heist of the year by flipping him to Carolina in exchange for five-time Pro Bowler Trai Turner.
And while that head-scratching deal (on Carolina’s end) could have an entire column to itself, it created a need at the tackle position for LA. General manager Tom Telesco opted to partially address the issue prior to the draft by bringing in 10-year veteran and longtime Packer Bryan Bulaga to man the opposite side.
A stable presence at right tackle for Aaron Rodgers, Bulaga has finished with a PFF grade of 70 or higher in seven of his nine full seasons (2013 was lost to an ACL injury). The former Iowa Hawkeye has spent parts of at least 6 different seasons injured, but if healthy, gives sixth overall pick Justin Herbert the cornerstone tackle he needs in these crucial years of development for young quarterbacks.
The 31-year old Bulaga will also be reunited with former Packers offensive line coach James Campen, who held that position in Green Bay for Bulaga’s first nine seasons.
After starting all 16 games for the second time in his career and leading the Packers offensive line in finishing 12th in the league in sacks allowed in 2019, Bulaga will be leaned on heavily to help develop a weak tackle room. The Chargers are currently looking for major contributions at the position from Forrest Lamp, Trey Pipkins, or Sam Tevi; none of that group has extensive starting experience, and Bulaga’s veteran leadership will be looked to if the Chargers intend to protect Herbert the way he needs.
The salary for Bulaga puts him just outside the top-five at his position, but $10 million per year for a veteran with excessive postseason experience is well worth it, especially with top tackles pulling in over $15 million each season.
Bulaga finished his rookie year with Green Bay as the youngest player in history to start in a Super Bowl; a decade later, the Chargers can only hope he will bring them up to those same lofty heights by protecting their shiny new quarterback.