Packers: David Bakhtiari deserves third All-Pro selection

Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari is now a three-time All-Pro, and deservedly so.

Not only is Bakhtiari‘s third straight All-Pro selection well deserved, but it also continues to prove why it’s important not to take the Pro Bowl too seriously.

The Pro Bowl is effectively a popularity contest. That means arguably the league’s best pass-blocking tackle, Bakhtiari, continues to miss out on the NFC vs. AFC contest, but is now a regular selection in the All-Pro.

Bakhtiari didn’t just make the All-Pro team for the third year in a row, but for the first time he’s part of the first-team. But he’s still just a one-time Pro Bowler. Makes sense.

ESPN released their pass-block win rate statistics for the 2018 season earlier this week. Third among tackles was Bakhtiari, with a 90 percent pass-block win rate. The only tackles higher on the list were Andrew Whitworth of the LA Rams, and Bakhtiari’s teammate Bryan Bulaga.

Bakhtiari continues to prove why he’s an elite left tackle. Here’s a great stat from Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus:

“Over the last three seasons, David Bakhtiari has allowed pressure on 3.46% of his pass blocks, which is the best rate for all left tackles with at least 1000 pass blocks in that span,” Jahnke wrote.

Quite incredible. Bakhtiari was also named to the PFF All-Pro team for 2018.

The Packers offense is much better with Bakhtiari on the field than without him.

For an offensive line that has struggled for much of the season, the Packers have been lucky to have Bakhtiari keeping edge rushers quiet on the left side of the line.

General manager Brian Gutekunst will look to add depth along the offensive line this offseason, particularly at the two guard positions, but as long as Bakhtiari is healthy, Gutekunst has no worries at left tackle.

Bakhtiari continues to prove why he’s one of the best tackles in the NFL. Maybe someone should tell the Pro Bowl that.