The likelihood of David Bakhtiari being replaced or beaten out for the starting left tackle job, to some, seems far-fetched. To others, Bakhtiari's presence on the Packers' offensive line has overstayed its welcome.

Those on the latter end of the spectrum may just be getting their wish by season's end. With the drafting of left tackle Jason Spriggs at 48th overall, there is potential he could be the successor at left tackle.

Oh, and Bakhtiari's contract is up in 2017 as well.

The culmination of Bakthari's contract next offseason is one of seven expiring offensive linemen contracts. However, the prime three that should be of importance are Josh Sitton, J.C. Tretter and T.J. Lang. Two of those names form the best left and right guard duo in the NFL. The other is a backup center who was briefly converted into a left tackle at the end of 2015 due to injuries sustained to Bakhtiari.

Spriggs brings athleticism to the left edge, something the Packers could deem handy in protecting the blindside of their prized MVP quarterback. It's safe to say it's the most valuable spot on the offensive line for any club.

The future of Bakhtiari in Green Bay isn't in the books yet, however. He'll have an opportunity for a strong 2016 campaign that'll be measured by three things:

Health

Awareness

Penalties

Eat your Wheaties

Despite starting nearly his first three full seasons before suffering a brutal ankle injury in week 15's contest in Oakland, Bakhtiari's health is in major question due to the nature of the injury. The last thing offensive line coach James Campen would want to do is shuffle the lineup like he was forced to do at the end of 2015. With his back to the wall and a briefly-wounded Bryan Bulaga, Campen alternated Tretter between left and right tackle as well as having to shift Sitton to left tackle in week 17.

If you can't stay on the field in today's league and show a promise of longevity, chances are you won't last very long. Barring injury, Bakhtiari has the chance to continue playing at a high level, but it's a long shot given the severity of the five torn ligaments in his ankle.

Protection is key

The Packers' offensive line gave up 51 sacks in 2015, ranked as the ninth-most in the league including the eight surrendered in the desert to the Cardinals. While the majority of this blame doesn't necessarily rest on Bakhtiari's shoulders, how well he protects Aaron Rodgers in 2016 will be a huge difference-maker.

Most offensive linemen are judged by how many times they let the opposing defender slip by them and succeed in getting to their target. The less Bakhtiari lets that happen, the better for both him and Rodgers. That's a given.

"Not again..."

Penalties, penalties, penalties. Any piece of laundry that gets thrown onto the field after a big play that negates chunks and chunks of yardage is enough to make you want to put your foot through the TV or your fist to the jaw of the guy sitting next to you. Anybody watching the Packers in 2015 experienced at least one of those two things (or possibly both) 12 times with Bakhtiari.

Seven holding calls, four false starts before the snap and an illegal formation call. He was the most-penalized lineman on the Packers' offensive front. Through his first three seasons, he's been penalized an annoying 34 times, making up for 9.68% of the team's total penalties through those three years. Giving up unnecessary amounts of yardage isn't how you keep your job. With Bakhtiari's replacement likely waiting in the wing, it may be time for the fourth-year left tackle out of Colorado to cut those totals down.

Despite the rumors that a switch to the guard position is imminent for Bakhtiari depending on whether or not the Packers tackle resigning Lang or Sitton, his spot on the team may have to be preserved first. For now, it all begins with nursing that ravaged ankle of his back to health.