Cody Whitehair

A 50-game starter, Whitehair received All-Big 12 honors all four seasons at Kansas State, punctuated by his lone first-team nod as a senior. He has experience at guard and tackle, including the past two years at tackle, and played in all 51 games over his four-year career. A three-star recruit out of high school, Whitehair became a starter as a redshirt freshman. He began his career at left guard and right tackle before moving to left tackle as a junior in 2014, earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors. Whitehair returned to left tackle as a senior captain in 2015. "I think he's probably better at guard in our league, but he might be able to play all five positions if needed," an AFC scout told NFLDraftScout.com. "He knows how to neutralize speed off the edge or quickness inside ... very, very well-coached and it shows on film." Whitehair knows his versatility will be a significant plus to his draft stock. "I would like to think I can play (inside and outside)," he told NFLDraftScout.com. "I would prefer to play guard. But if a team that I play for needs me at tackle, I'm up for that too. I'm up for playing whatever position. Someone needs me at center, I could tackle that position. Ultimately guard and tackle. Either way I feel comfortable." Whitehair also received strong praise from the Kansas State coaching staff for his work ethic and leadership abilities. "It just comes from within, the motivation that I want to be successful and I want this team to be successful," he said. "I come to work every day with that mentality. I know people say we lost so many guys and have spots to fill, but we just come to work every day. And hopefully that attitude and mentality rubs off on my teammates. I grew up in this program and around these guys so this program means a lot to me."

in our view

A college left tackle, he will move inside to guard for in the NFL, which he considers his best (and favorite) position. Whitehair is an assignment-sound blocker, staying square to his target with anchor strength and aggressive hands.

strengths

Adequate size for the position and uses his wide base to handle speed off the edge, staying balanced and sinking his hips at the point of attack. He squares well and rides defenders away from the ballcarrier, using his punch and hand placement to lock on and engage. Plays with veteran awareness, displaying excellent vision and instincts to recognize pressures pre-snap.

compares to

Zack Martin, Cowboys - Although not as physically gifted as Martin, Whitehair is a similar player with his ability to square up to defenders and control the point of attack. And similar to Martin, Whitehair is a college left tackle who will move inside to guard in the NFL.

weaknesses

While he does a nice job handling edge speed, Whitehair can get beat when he allows rushers to attack his body, forcing him upright and on his heels. His toughness is off the charts, but he could add a pinch of nastiness to his playing recipe, eliminating catch blocks. Also tends to get grabby at times, which will attract yellow laundry at the next level, appearing much more comfortable inside rather than at tackle.

A four-year letterwinner at Abilene under head coach Jeff Geist

Named to the All-Kansas Top-11 Team by the Kansas Football Coaches Association (KFCA) and Varsity Kansas

Also earn Al-Kansas 4A honors from the KFCA and Varsity Kansas

Named to PrepStar magazine's All-Midlands Region team

Had 140 pancake blocks and recorded 81 total tackles (41 solo, 40 assisted) with 15 sacks during his senior season

Helped lead the Cowboys to a combined 31-11 record in four seasons

Played with current Wildcat wide receivers Curry and Collin Sexton.

Cody Michael Whitehair was born July 11, 1992, in Kearney, Neb

Son of Kevin Whitehair and RaeLyn Swisher, both of whom attended K-State

Has one sibling, Courtney

Majoring in agribusiness.