From May 15 to July 3, TDActu presents its Top 50 NFL players. To arrive at this ranking, each member of the editorial staff voted for the 50 players they would like to have on their team to start the coming season. These rankings were then compiled to form the final Top 50. The opportunity to debate, but also to present 50 profiles to those new to the NFL.
David Bakhtiari – Tackle – Green Bay Packers
ID card : 29 years old – 1.93 cm – 143 kg
Draft : n°109 au 4er tour de la Draft 2013 – Colorado
CV : First Team All-Pro (2018, 2020), Second Team All-Pro (2016, 2017, 2019), Pro Bowl (2016, 2019, 2020)
Why is he here?
Drafted only in the 4th round of the 2013 draft, David Bakhtiari is what we call a “steal”. Very quickly propelled holder during his rookie season following the injury of Bryan Bulaga, he immediately won and has never left the left side of the Wisconsin men’s line. Become Aaron Rodgers’ official bodyguard and basic man of his line, he covers the blind side like no one else. According to Pro Football Focus, he only conceded one sack out of 420 snaps in 2020. Fearsome.
But the player’s talent does not stop there. According to ESPN, he also ranks in the top 10 tackles on the rate of successful blocking in the racing game. Proving that he doesn’t limit himself to just being the protector of his quarterback. Since the arrival of Matt LaFleur and the development of the racing game, Bakhtiari has come a long way in this aspect of the game. He has become an essential link in the coach’s new patterns, contributing to Aaron Jones’ fine performances.
Named All Pro for the last five campaigns, he has established himself as one of the very best tackles of his generation, if not the best.
“I think he has Hall of Famer potential,” Aaron Rodgers said of him. “He’s an incredible player. He was a rock for us. When he’s there you really feel comfortable with him locking in pass rusher throughout the game. “
What objective in 2021?
Almost 30 years old, David Bakhtiari will first of all have to come back from his knee injury suffered on the eve of the playoffs and regain his level. A level that made him the best paid offensive lineman and after an overtime last November. If the latest information on his recovery is reassuring, he could nevertheless miss the resumption of the season. The sooner he comes back, the better it will be for his quarterback.
His absence was sorely felt in the conference final against the Buccaneers who harassed Aaron Rodgers the entire game. With his return, and after two failures in a row, Green Bay could aspire to finally pass the last obstacle to the Super Bowl. The title is all that is missing from one of the best tackles of the past decade.
Heard in the editorial
“Bakhtiari is the best tackle in pass protection and has progressed against the run in 2020. He will start the 2021 season with the status of the best tackle in the league. “ Raphael Masmejean
“I know who it is! “ Raoul Villeroy
“David Bakhtiari looks like Khal Drogo protecting his Khaleesi. Hopefully he does better in the end. “ Jean Michel Bougeard.
“A top 3 tackle, better every year. ” Victor Roullier
The general classification
20. Josh Allen – QB, Bills
21. Ronnie Stanley – OT, Ravens
22. Minkah Fitzpatrick – S, Steelers
23. Bobby Wagner – LB, Seahawks
24. Nick Bosa – DE, 49ers
25. Chris Jones – DT, Chiefs
26. Tyreek Hill – WR, Chiefs
27. DeForest Buckner – DT, Colts
28. Xavien Howard – CB, Dolphins
29. Trent Williams – OT, 49ers
30. Christian McCaffrey – RB, Panthers
31. Jaire Alexander – CB, Packers
32. Dalvin Cook – RB, Vikings
33. Tyrann Mathieu – S, Chiefs
34. Stephon Gilmore – CB, Patriots
35. Darious Leonard – LB, Colts
36. Tre’Davious White – CB, Bills
37. Joey Bosa – DE, Chargers
38. Mike Evans – WR, Buccaneers
39. Julio Jones – WR, Falcons
40. Justin Simmons – S, Broncos
41. Zack Martin – OG, Cowboys
42. Alvin Kamara – RB, Saints
43. Chandler Jones – DE, Cardinals
44. Jamal Adams – S, Seahawks
45. Chase Young – DE, Football Team
46. Lavonte David – LB, Buccaneers
47. Nick Chubb – RB, Browns
48. Corey Linsley – C, Chargers
49. Lamar Jackson – QB, Ravens
50. Fred Warner – LB, 49ers
