2010 NFL Combine: Bills, Dolphins Among Teams Impressed by Iowa's Bulaga

Ever since his declaration to forgo his senior season at the Iowa, Bryan Bulaga has been regarded as a first round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

ESPN's Mel Kiper has said he could be the first Big Ten player selected in this year's draft.

He was named 2009 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, and is considered one of the top three tackles in the draft, along with Russell Okung of Oklahoma State and Trent Williams from Oklahoma. He looked to improve upon that in Indianapolis.

With his team interviews and workout drills so far at the NFL combine, Bulaga was able to quickly dispel the two red-flag topics surrounding him during the combine madness.

First, he addressed his health issue.

During the 2009 season, Bulaga suffered from a thyroid condition known as thyroiditis, an inflammation of the gland that caused him fatigue and weight loss. Naturally, it's something NFL teams needed to address about the junior left tackle before opting to draft him.

"Every team has brought it up," he told reporters on Friday. "My agent sent out that statement from both doctors to every team. I don't think it's gonna be that much of an impact."  

Bulaga points out that doctors at both the Mayo Clinic and the University of Iowa have given him glowing health reviews and explain the condition was a one-time thing. His physical exams and X-rays at the combine came back positive, as well.

Another issue that had many team analysts concerned was his arm length.

Bulaga looks impressive on tape, but some teams were concerned that his allegedly stumpy arms were similar to former Hawkeye left tackle and Outland Trophy winner Robert Gallery. Gallery was the second pick overall by Oakland in the 2004 draft who some consider a bust at tackle because his short arms made it difficult for him to keep his hands on faster pass rushers.

Luckily for Bulaga, his arm length came in just under circus freak length. They measured at 33¼ inches at the combine, which is considered long enough by NFL standards.

It also looks like his seven weeks of workouts at a Phoenix, AZ, training facility paid off. 

While in Indianapolis, he used those arms to bench press 225 lbs. a total of 26 times. That mark is a tad above average in combine standards and means he could bench press roughly 410 lbs.

His fastest 40-yard dash time was 5.26, according to the NFL's combine website.

Bulaga's measurements were also better than most teams expected. He rang in at 6'5'', 315 lbs. at his weigh-in.

His performance and measurements now have more than a few NFL teams drooling on themselves for the opportunity to draft him.

The Redskins, Chiefs, and Bills are among teams with serious offensive lines needs that are drafting in the top 10. Kansas City may consider using their No. 5 overall pick on the left tackle from Iowa, and the Bills like him for their No. 9 overall pick. 

The 49ers and Packers would love the chance to draft Bulaga, but they now realize he may be off the table come time for their first round selections.

He also impressed the Miami Dolphins enough for them to tweet about on their official Twitter account .  "Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is smooth with the media..for what it's worth..he looks like an NFL player."

Don't be surprised if teams try to trade up in the draft to position themselves for him.

Next stop for Bulaga is pro day in Iowa City. If his reviews at the combine are any indication, several teams will be in Iowa on March 22 for a closer look.

"I feel very prepared," Bulaga told reporters . "I've never felt more ready for something."