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Introduction
Hometown: Kearney, Nebraska
High School: Abilene Kansas
Recruitment: 3-Star Recruit by ESPN, 3-Star recruit by Rivals
Injuries/Discipline: Nothing notable
Measurables
Height: 6’3"
Weight: 312
Class: Junior
Projected 40 Time: 5.10
Stats
Started 38 games between left guard, left tackle and right tackle.
Positives
• Good Size
• Very durable
• Has good strength
• Excellent vision
• Picks up pressure well
• High work ethic
• Plays with a good base with low hips
• Highly competitive
• Good punch and hand placement
• Good lateral ability with good footwork
• Obviously understands leverage and angles
• Can play 4 positions on offensive line, maybe all
Negatives
• Doesn't have great length
• Powerful upper body, not so much in the lower body
• Can at times get rocked back on his heels.
• Grabs at speed rushers, will draw penalties.
Conclusion
Cody Whitehair is one of my favourite senior prospects in the entire draft. He’s not as complete as some prospects, but I wouldn’t have a problem with him starting from day one. A lot of the weaknesses can be easily coached up at the next level, but his intelligence and awareness are things that come natural.
Although he spent 2014 and 2015 as a left tackle, there is little doubt that he will move inside at the next level. He would make an ideal left guard, and I think that’s where he’ll end up.
He was named a senior captain at Kansas and co-MVP of the 2015 team. His coaches love his work ethic and his commitment. He is a powerful guard who seems to love football. I wouldn’t get too caught up on the negatives as the positives far outweigh them. He has been called the rock of the offensive line and the most consistent player on the entire team.
He played exceptionally well against Shawn Oakman this year, who usually gives offensive lines fits. The undersized tackle used his understanding of leverage to beat the much bigger (6-9, 280lb) defensive player. He held him to just 3 tackles and 0 sacks.
He’s got to be considered a second round selection right now, and I wouldn't be surprised if he is selected in the 1st. Whoever gets him, will be getting one hell of a player and one hell of a competitor.
Cody has stated that he would like to move back inside at the NFL, but he's positive that he could play tackle and even centre, which offers a great deal of versatility to potential suitors.
Draft Grade: 78
90-100 = Exceptional Talent
80-90 = Impact Player
70-80 = NFL Starter
60-70 = Solid NFL Potential
50-60 = Draftable - Lot of work needed
>50 = Undraftable, - Long Shot To Stick