clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Breaking News Jack Del Rio Fired; Ron Rivera to call plays on defense

Filed under:

2016 Washington Redskins Draft Profiles: Cody Whitehair, G

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Jason Bacaj
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cody Whitehair, OG
School: Kansas State | Conference: Big 12
College Experience: Senior | Age: 23
Height/Weight: 6’4" / 301 lbs
SPARQ: 99.4 / NFL %: 64.6
Projected Draft Status: 1st - 2nd round
NFL Comparison: Zack Martin

College Statistics

N/A


Player Overview

Cody Whitehair is the regarded as the best guard in the 2016 draft. He was a four-year starter at Kansas State where he played three positions on the line at an all-conference level and was elected captain as a senior. The main game film I watched was against Louisiana Tech. I don’t know much about the level of competition Whitehair faced in the game, but for most of the tape it looked like he was working on his footwork during a walk-through. There’s something to be said for that.


Strengths

  • Locks onto defenders
  • Strong base
  • Good quickness
  • Started 41 straight games to end his K-State career.


Weaknesses

  • Not great when attacking beyond the defensive line. He executed well on trade blocks but when specifically going for the second-level players Whitehair had a tendency to get into the right position or angle and then wait for contact, rather than initiate it.
  • Short arms
  • Pad level a little too high a little too often
  • Only 16 reps on bench press at the combine

Let's take a look at his body of work...




How He’d Fit on the Redskins
Whitehair has the toughness that Scot McCloughan looks for in players. He needs to bulk up a bit, but is ready to step in and contribute to a team right away. Unfortunately Whitehair would not have that opportunity in Washington. Brandon Scherff, Shawn Lauvao and Spencer Long are well entrenched along the interior. But if McC chooses Whitehair in the first round — I doubt he’ll fall to the Redskins at 53 — he could serve as a swing tackle, much like Tom Compton has in recent years. His selection could facilitate a permanent move to center for Long and allow the team to move on from the much-maligned former third round pick Josh LeRibeus. Or Whitehair could end up at center. He said he’s willing to play wherever the NFL wants him, and given his history of picking up new positions along the line I believe he’d have a good chance at a successful transition.


More From Hogs Haven