Green Bay Packers: 5 Players to Watch in Week 2 vs Vikings

Aug 18, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Blake Martinez (50) celebrates following a tackle during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Blake Martinez (50) celebrates following a tackle during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (69) and tight end Richard Rodgers (82) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (69) and tight end Richard Rodgers (82) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5. LT David Bakhtiari

Since being drafted in 2013, David Bakhtiari has worked hard at protecting one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. On the night before their week 1 game against Jacksonville, Bakhtiari signed a four-year $51.67 million contract making him one of the highest-paid outside lineman in the league.

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Aaron Rodgers calls Bakhtiari a “mainstay guy who you can build your offensive line around.” Bakhtiari won’t let the money get in the way of what he’s been doing with the Packers. He told Packers.com‘s Wes Hodkiewicz, “It’s not like anything’s changed. I’m still doing the same thing. I’m still at the same position. Still protecting the same quarterback for the same organization.”

Bakhtiari dominated his Week 1 matchup against Jacksonville’s rookie defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. He’ll need to once again prove his worth this week against the Vikings best pass rusher, Everson Griffen. For the Packers to succeed, Rodgers will need plenty of time in the pocket to get the ball past the vaunting Vikings defensive front. Expect Bakhtiari to continue to impress this week and give Rodgers ample protection as he leads the Packers offensive line to their second win of the season.

Next: No. 4 Taylor