NFL draft profile: Kansas State OG-OT Cody Whitehair

Shutdown Corner is counting down the top 50 prospects in the 2016 NFL draft with a scouting report, quotes from NFL evaluators and a projection where they might be drafted.

20. Kansas State OG-OT Cody Whitehair
6-foot-4, 301 pounds

Key stat: As a redshirt freshman in 2012, Whitehair started 12 of the 13 games (one at right tackle, then nine at left guard, and the final two at right guard). In 2013 and 2014, he started all 26 games at left guard. Then in 2015, Whitehair was asked to play left tackle, starting all 13 games there.

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The skinny: Playing every position for the Wildcats except for center, Whitehair has started 51 games over his career and become a model of consistency. The coaches asked the team captain to play out of position at left tackle this past season, but he responded with a tremendous performance that helped boost his stock into the Round 1 range, even though most scouts believe guard is his best pro position. Whitehair had a great week at teh Senior Bowl and boosted his stock there and at the NFL combine with excellent team interviews. His combine also featured some tremendous athletic testing numbers, although his 16 reps on the bench press (with relatively short arms at 32.5 inches) were a bit alarming.

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Best-suited destination: Ideally Whitehair would be a left guard in a zone-blocking system where he can use his great technical skills and athletic ability to get out to the second level on run plays. He’s best when working angles and not being asked to take on powerful defenders head on. Which teams might fit best? Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins come to mind.

Reason he’ll rise in draft: A clean, Day 1-ready offensive guard is nothing to snort at. Brandon Scherff and Ali Marpet were good starters as 2015 rookies, helping pave the run games for their respective teams. In 2014, Zach Martin and Joel Bitonio had fantastic rookie seasons and are considered among the league’s best now; ask the Patriots if they wish they had Bitonio instead of the recently released Dominique Easley. With Whitehair, NFL teams know exactly what they’re getting: a committed, reliable, talented, plug-and-play worker up front.

Reason he’ll fall in draft: Most teams don’t envision Whitehair as a tackle, at least not a starting one, in the NFL. Oh sure, he could play there in a pinch, but you might not want him trying to combat elite pass rushers and powerful base ends for a whole season. Scherff and Martin are exceptions to the guard rule for the most part because, for one, they had better size and weight-room prowess than Whitehair and were viewed as a little more special specimens, whether that’s true or not.

Scouting hot take: “Kid grew up like an hour away from the campus there. Football and family. His family is at every game. Lived in the weight room, did whatever the coaches wanted. Never said a peep. He’s just rock-solid. You love the kid, and you love the tape. I am not putting him at tackle; he’s strictly a guard for us.” — AFC scouting director

Player comp: Marshal Yanda

Expected draft range: Top 50 picks

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