Packers select OT Bryan Bulaga

The first round of the 2010 NFL Draft has been a very surprising and interesting round so far. The early run that most pundits thought would happen with offensive tackles didn't occur. Jacksonville and Oakland made curious picks. A few trades were made to go up and down, particularly with Denver jumping around three times, including swapping spots with New England to pop ahead of the Packers by one spot. And by the time the Packers rolled into their time on the clock, a lot of their wish list (we can only assume) -- both offensive and defensive -- was still on the board. It couldn't have played out much better for the Pack.

That's why it didn't take them long to select OT Bryan Bulaga of Iowa. You can view one of his scouting reports here.

On some draft boards, Bulaga was a top 10 pick. To have him fall into the Packers' lap here is a real gift. According to some NFL personnel folks, he is reportedly one of the safest picks in this draft. He will likely be the the Packers left tackle of the future, but he does have the versatility to play guard, as well...and we all know how much Packers GM Ted Thompson likes versatility.

Wayne Larrivee, the radio voice of the Packers and a regular Big 10 football broadcaster, said on 620WTMJ radio coverage this evening, that Bulaga will fit in with the Pack like he's been on the team 100 years. Larrivee was very pleased that the Packers got a player of this caliber with this pick, particularly because most every projection had him going much, much earlier.

Ted Thompson, in a brief radio interview after the selection, said that they were surprised to see Bulaga still available at #23 and felt "very fortunate" to be able to get him. No doubt. Great pick, Ted!

We'll have more analysis to follow. Keep tuning back in here!

Go Pack Go!