Bryan Bulaga
T, Iowa · 2010 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #23 (GNB)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, position. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
T (OL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 59.3% of the time (919 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #22 (#3 at his position), close to where he went (#23).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Iowa: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.20 40-yard dash at 314 lbs: faster than 53% of OLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 126 of ~193 possible regular-season games from 2010 through 2021 (~65%). Last NFL season: 2021.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 126 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 9 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 56 |
| Last NFL season | 2021 |
The 2010 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2010 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Position OL | 59.3% n=919 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 5", 314 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.20 s |
| Bench press | 26 reps |
| Vertical | 27.5" |
| Broad jump | 98" |
| 3-cone | 7.7 s |
| Shuttle | 4.75 s |
| Arm / hand | 33.3" / 9.3" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #22 overall (#3 T) |
Picked around him 2010 redraft
| 20 | Kareem Jackson | redraft #29 |
| 21 | Jermaine Gresham | redraft #64 |
| 22 | Demaryius Thomas | redraft #13 |
| 24 | Dez Bryant | redraft #21 |
| 25 | Tim Tebow | redraft #110 |
| 26 | Dan Williams | redraft #60 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.