Green Bay Packers: 4 Players deserving of Pro Bowl nod

By Joe Kipp | Dec 17, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers catches the ball for a 15 yard touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 15: David Bakhtiari #69 and Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the first half during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

LT David Bakhtiari

David Bakhtiari has been Aaron Rodgers’ best friend this season. On an offensive line that has otherwise been shaky, save for Corey Linsley, the Packers have relied heavily on Bakhtiari to protect Rodgers’ and his hobbled knee.

Bakhtiari’s ability in pass protection allows for Green Bay to call a variety of long-developing passing concepts on routes that are schemed to take a while to open up. Bakhtiari allows for Rodgers and the receivers to gain ample time in creating opportunities.

The only problem with that, however, has been Rodgers’ connection with his receivers. For whatever reason, be it injury or the lack of reps with his young pass catchers, Rodgers hasn’t been himself this season.

For that exact reason, Bakhtiari might lose traction in a Pro Bowl nod. After all, winning teams often see far more Pro Bowlers than losing teams. Even so, Bakhtiari is graded out as the second-best offensive tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He also has a pass blocking grade of 92.3, easily the best in the league.

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Bakhtiari is easily a top five player on the Packers and should be recognized for it. His contributions to the 2018 version of Green Bay may be overlooked, but his performance certainly merits a Pro Bowl berth.

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.

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