Packers: David Bakhtiari snubbed from CBS Sports top 100 rankings

Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari has only played in one game over the past year, but he is still one of the best at his position.

Ahead of the 2022 season, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has ranked the top 100 players in the NFL.

Five Packers make the list: quarterback Aaron Rodgers (No. 2), cornerback Jaire Alexander (No. 25), inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (No. 63), edge rusher Rashan Gary (No. 64), and defensive tackle Kenny Clark (No. 92).

It seems one player is missing: Bakhtiari.

Bakhtiari did get an honorable mention along with Packers teammates Aaron Jones and Elgton Jenkins, but he belongs in the top 100.

Yes, he has been dealing with a knee injury since New Year’s Eve 2020. One that has limited him to a quarter of a game in Week 18 this past season.

But that doesn’t mean Bakhtiari isn’t still a top-100 NFL player.

Bakhtiari is a five-time All-Pro, a three-time Pro Bowler, and a dominant pass-protector. He is also 30 years old, so could still have plenty of years ahead of him.

When healthy, Bakhtiari would be a starter at left tackle for just about every team in the NFL. That’s how good he is. Not to mention that left tackle is a premium position. Without solid play at this position, an entire offense can fall apart.

The only concern for Bakhtiari is his injury.

It has been about 18 months since Bakhtiari tore his ACL. Since then, he has barely played.

The Packers are hoping he will be ready to go by training camp. Assuming he is, I have little doubt he will quickly reestablish his position as one of the premier left tackles in football.

Before his injury, Bakhtiari had been an All-Pro five seasons in a row. He has consistently performed at an elite level.

And he is easily one of the top 100 players in the NFL.