Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked 56-times last season. When Packers general manager Ted Thompson saw Iowa left tackle Bryan Bulaga still on the board at #23, he didn’t take too long to get the pick in.
AUDIO: Ted Thompson surprised to see Bulaga around at #23 :09
Bulaga allowed just two sacks all of last season at the University Iowa. Both coming against Michigan DE Brandon Grahm. Bulaga was coming off of a thyroid problem that had him frustrated for awhile, but eventually he got into the groove and had a fine season. Thompson said lineman from Iowa are good football players.
AUDIO: Ted Thompson on Iowa lineman :20
The last time the Packers drafted a lineman in the first round was 1997. That year they took another Iowa lineman, Ross Verba. Verba went on to start at left tackle in the Super Bowl for the Packers.
The Packers are excited about Bulaga, who was considered a top 10 pick before the draft. He’ll wear #75 for the Packers and said he’ll push to be a starter.
AUDIO: Bryan Bulaga said he’ll push to start :20
Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said Bulaga brings a lot to the table and expects him to come in and compete right away. Philbin said he’s a fan of Bulaga’s size.
AUDIO: Joe Philbin likes Bulaga’s size :22
The Packers have single picks in both the second and third rounds on Friday night.
