Packers' Bryan Bulaga getting chance at left guard

GREEN BAY - Settling in behind Chad Clifton at left tackle was the plan.

"Obviously we like what we've seen on tape," Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said.

But, when you play above expectations, doors open.

"Bryan Bulaga has earned the opportunity to compete for a starting position," head coach Mike McCarthy said.

"They're giving me the opportunity to compete for the left guard spot, and I'm going to try and take advantage of it as much as I can," Bulaga said.

Bulaga hasn't played left guard since his freshman year at Iowa.

"You got to work into it. It's a completely different feel than left tackle as you're tackling more out on an island, and, on the inside, things are happening a little bit quicker with stunts and gains and what not."

Along with jogging the memory, Bulaga will also be in for a fierce battle. Daryn Colledge has primarily been holding down the left guard spot since his rookie season in 2006.

"I'm gonna use this as even more motivation and more competition," Colledge said. "I think Bulaga is a great young player and he'll continue to push me, but he's got a lot to learn too and I'm gonna help me out as best I can."

For the rest of camp, Bulaga will work at left guard and left tackle. Being a jack of all lineman is common for the Packers.

"Blocking is blocking. You're either a covered lineman or an uncovered lineman. It doesn't matter, in my humble opinion, if you're a guard, tackle, or center," Philbin said.

While being well rounded is appreciated, the Packers don't want to have a repeat 51 sack performance. So, honing specific skills and settling into one position is the goal.