Should the Commanders Bring in David Bakhtiari to Lock Down the Left Side of the Offensive Line?
When healthy, David Bakhtiari is one of the better left tackles in the NFL. The issue is he’s played in just 13 games over the last three seasons.
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After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Bakhtiari went on to start all 16 games for the Packers at left tackle after incumbent starter Brian Bulaga tore his ACL in the preseason. Bulaga returned healthy in 2014, but because of the play of Bakhtiari, he was moved to right tackle, leaving the second year player to protect the blindside of Aaron Rodgers.
During his 11 seasons in Green Bay, Bakhtiari made All-Pro five times and was selected to three Pro Bowls. From 2013 to 2020 he missed a total of 10 games.
Injuries caught up to him in 2021, and this past March, he was released by the Packers.
Much speculation has been made about the state of Washington’s offensive tackles. Cornelius Lucas, who is best served as a swing tackle, is penciled in at left tackle, with the turnstile Andrew Wylie setting up on the right side. To say the Commanders need upgrades at both positions would be an understatement.
Just yesterday, Ian Rapoport reported that Bakhtiari had a recent exam with Dr. Brian Cole on his surgically repaired knee, and he was on schedule to return in 2024.
