I wanted to let this news digest before commenting. I’ve always felt Bryan Bulaga could play left tackle. It’s been my opinion of him since 2010’s draft. I actually thought Buffalo would take him in the top 10 because of this reason. I also think he’s incredibly underrated. He had his worst game on Monday night football, which is why so many feel unsure about him. That’s a false evaluation, though. Beyond that half of football, he’s been rock solid for the better part of his last 20 games. He’s a fine technician and has experience playing the position, so I think they can make it work.
I do worry, though, that a very good right tackle sometimes makes for an average left tackle. Average would look good right now on the left side, but that’s unfair to Bulaga’s development. The Ravens face similar problems with Michael Oher. He doesn’t have the feet to play left tackle. He’s a great right tackle, but moving him around has hindered his growth.
Sitton is such a great player that I don’t foresee an issue with him moving to left guard. He’s a great run blocker and protector. He’s a whale stuck in the pond (the pond being Green Bay’s o-line). I also understand the concept of shoring up the left side. That’s Aaron Rodgers’ blindside. If you’re going to have a weakness, then have it on the right side, so Rodgers can see the pressure and react more quickly.
My feelings on Lang have soured. He was solid in 2011, but below average last year. He's always been versatile. He’s played both tackle positions and now both guard positions. I think the transition will affect him the least, but he doesn't have the most to lose.
Overall, it’s good to get Marshall Newhouse out of Aaron Rodgers’ blindside. He’s just not a very good starter, in my assessment. I’d like to see him as a backup swing player. This really helps David Bakhtiari. He’s a good pass protector with left tackle footwork. He just doesn’t have left tackle size. I think they’ll allow him to compete at right tackle and he’s capable of winning that job. The wild card is Sherrod. If he’s healthy, then right tackle isn’t a bad spot for him. Perhaps you could slide Bakhtiari inside to push Lang and have Sherrod settle at right tackle. That’d be almost the best scenario, as Lang needs pushing.
I like to refrain from May predictions, but I could see Bulaga, Sitton, EDS, Lang, and Bakhtiari as the week one starting offensive line. That represents improvement, but there's a big onus on that right side.