OT/OG - David Bakhtiari

[ReasonablySober]

A self described "gym rat," Bakhtiari (pronounced Bock-T-are-E) surprised many when he declared for April's NFL draft after the Buffs finished the year 1-11. He comes from a long list of athletes, with Bakhtiari's older brother, Eric, just being waived after the new year for kicker Billy Cundiff. David previously said he wanted to return to California after graduation to work with and eventually take over his father's (Karl) real estate business, but the NFL obviously takes precedent.

After redshirting in 2009, Bakhtiari started 11 of 12 games in 2010 at right tackle with future first-round pick Nate Solder manning the left side. With Solder's departure prior tot he 2011 season, Bakhtiari then moved to the blind side and started 11 contests there and earned second-team All-Pac 12 honors for his play. In 2012, stayed entrenched at left tackle and started all 12 games this past season. In his announcement declaring for April's draft, Bakhtiari said he received a second- or third-round evaluation from the NFL Draft Advisory Board.

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Consistent low posture and first contact through his hands is there. Strong grip and latch to control when obtained. Frequently limits inside moves and very aware of slowed footwork when opponent is setting up a second move. He drives forward in these situations, specifically with the inside armbar to cut off the shorter path. Flashes a mean attitude to finish off plays, takes opponents down that have lost their balance. Can really get after it, an attacker rather than passive blocker. Brings the club with one hand when wanting to release in space on screen plays. Doesn't wait on blocks at the second level, on the offensive and seeks out contact. If uncovered he always helps inside in pass protection and delivers a nice punch.

WEAKNESSES Not an ideal build for an offensive lineman, thin in the arms. Many difficulties arise form pass blocking on an island. Beaten around the edge without slowing the rusher down and can lose face up against stiff contact due to not having the ability to stop backwards momentum. Move to guard is likely in his future. Deep drop steps aren't natural and stiff contact jolts him mid-stride. Loses on counter moves, thrown to the side when top heavy or leaning too far over, specifically when run blocking. Whiffs on cut blocks.

NFL COMPARISON Will Rackley

BOTTOM LINE With football bloodlines, Bakhtiari should have always had his sights set on the NFL, but he will be there sooner than many expected. Despite playing his entire career on the edge at tackle, expect the Colorado product to move inside in the NFL. He needs to gain weight as to not get jolted on first contact, but Bakhtiari possesses a mean attitude to finish off blocks and could be a late second-day selection.

[Bucksfans1and2]

This one was up first. Lock mine up.

[RiotPunch]

Like it a lot. Gotta take offensive linemen every year, and this guy was the best available. Good to great value.

[Newz]

He's only 21 and seems like he can play multiple positions along the line. Seems like an 'upside' pick who they will develop for a couple years before he sees the field.

[wichmae]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1613 ... olorado-ot

[ReasonablySober]

Sounds like a good pick. Going to be interesting to see where the Packers think he fits on the line.

[jimmybones]

I like the versatility and we need depth on the OL. I'm not too optimistic about his chances as a LT though based on size alone.

[Wilford Brimley]

Dont hate it. Good guard depth. Said he plays with a mean streak, which is nice.

We're coming up again here kinda soon.

[chuckleslove]

I like his potential for depth at G/C if nothing else.

[RiotPunch]

We might try to groom him into our center of the future.

[Bernman]

Scott Wright had Bakhtiairi as his #9 rated OT. He classified him as 2nd or 3rd round value.

Here's a scouting tape:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEwGbfY8rQ8[/youtube]

The positives were pretty good feet and push. The negative I saw was there were lapses in awareness. Hopefully that comes with maturity, as he's a young prospect.

[midranger]

I actually saw 2 Colorado games last year. The announcers didn't stop talking about him. Probably because the rest of that team is pure crap. Regardless, he didn't stand out to me either positively or negatively.

[MikeIsGood]

Scott Wright had Bakhtiairi as his #9 rated OT. He classified him as 2nd or 3rd round value.

At one point he was on Scott's 'Underrated' list. Seems like a good value pick in the 4th round. I like the potential for versatility. Never seen him play.

[MickeyDavis]

What scouts told Bob McGinn about David Bakhtiari before the NFL draft: "He's long (34-inch arms) and he's tall and he doesn't get much movement," one scout said. "He is flexible. Doesn't know how to use his hands." Started at RT in 2010 and at LT in 2011-'12. "He could be real good at guard," another scout said. "He's got pretty good feet. He's tough. He's competitive. He jumps at things every once in a while but he has the movement to be pretty good." Smart and strong. "You see the good feet and balance," a third scout said. "He'll be a late second if you're a team looking for a finesse offensive lineman. If he can get up to 310, 315, you might like him at guard." Fourth-year junior out of Burlingame, Calif.

[Balls2TheWalls]

Bakhtiari on a conference call on Packers.com right now.

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

Tyler Dunne ‏@TyDunne 32s
#Packers Bakhtiari: Clay (Matthews) is good friends with my older brother. ...Met with him. Good guy. Competitor. Work ethic unparalleled.