The Green Bay Packers benefited from having one of the best left tackles in the NFL for multiple seasons. David Bakhtiari has been a franchise/cornerstone offensive tackle for the majority of his career with the Packers. Best described as a grizzly bear that could jump-set a tiger in the wilderness. In his 11-year career, he allowed only 32 sacks, which is an amazing feat.
Bakhtiari deserves all of the praise and love because he has earned it. That said, he has struggled with injuries over the past few years. The most devasting came on December 31st, 2020 with a catastrophic knee injury during practice. That has led to him undergoing five surgeries. Due to complications after surgery, his knee began to have fluid buildup and irritation. Some things the 32-year-old is trying to battle against.
As a result, putting his time in Green Bay in jeopardy.
The rumor mill is stating he will be released from the Packers roster at some point this offseason. While that is yet to be seen or come to fruition, it is hard not to see the writing on the wall. If he is released, are the Packers set at left tackle, or will they need to bring in reinforcements?
Rasheed Walker should be the guy for 2024
In Bakhtiari’s absence this season, Rasheed Walker stepped in and played good football. It was not the smoothest take-off to begin the season but once he found his footing, it was go-time. Walker finished the season strong and with the second-highest pass-blocking grade per Pro Football Focus. Finishing ahead of breakout OT Zach Tom.
Walker showcased early in the season his run-blocking prowess. He is a strong duo/tandem blocker on zone run concepts and plays with the power to move defenders off the ball. Walker dealt with growing pains with his technique and footwork in the run and pass game.
Rasheed Walker’s been watching some Reggie White tape. pic.twitter.com/91z1Hvo9xE
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) January 8, 2024
Walker grew as the season progressed and showcased why the team’s officials and decision-makers should roll with him at left tackle. Trusting the tape and what he was able to do is important. Even with the draft, you’re banking on the unknown. The former 7th-round pick has proved, he has starting-caliber talent and more development to come. Look at Andy Herman’s tweet below and enjoy Walker’s treatment of San Francisco 49ers star defender, Nick Bosa.
Rasheed Walker 1×1 with Nick Bosa. Hell of a rep. pic.twitter.com/WSmC1R7oCF
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) January 21, 2024
How will it all end?
Rasheed Walker has started one season in the NFL but that was more than enough to believe in him going forward. Unless a talent like Notre Dame OT Joe Alt or Penn State OT Olu Fashanu were to fall down the board into the Packers’ lap, trust Walker to protect your star quarterback, Jordan Love’s blindside. He has the talent and ability to do it well. Use your early-round draft picks on bolstering this defense and make a run at the Super Bowl, bringing the title back to Title Town.
