With Tyler Lockett having a great start to his career in the NFL, I was interested in NFL projections for our current players.
For Cody Whitehair, I'm seeing as high as late 1st to 4th round
Here's a 1st round projection
http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2659/2016-NFL-Mock-Draft-Version-10-Preseason-Edition
29. Seattle Seahawks:Cody Whitehair, OT/OG, Kansas State. He doesn’t get the attention that goes to many other offensive linemen in what appears to be a very gifted class, but Whitehair might be the best in show. Strong, physical and fantastic at attacking the second level, Whitehair is a good tackle prospect but an elite guard, potentially. Seattle can use help all over the offensive line, especially if Russell Okung departs.
And here's a long read from CBS regarding Whitehair. They have him rated as a 2nd round pick. Very cool interview.
Meet the Prospect: Kansas State OL Cody Whitehair
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
September 9, 2015 12:27 pm ET
Throughout the season, the “Meet the Prospect” series will highlight an underrated senior NFL prospect with a scouting report, interview and glimpse at what NFL scouts think of the player.
OL Cody Whitehair, Kansas State (6-4, 309, 5.08, #55)
The Scouting Report
A three-star recruit out of high school, Whitehair became a starter as a redshirt freshman and has started 38 games the last three seasons. 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 a year ago. Whitehair returned to left tackle as a senior captain in 2015 and is one of the top draft-eligible NFL prospects in the Big 12 conference.
Whitehair has 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. Whitehair plays with veteran awareness, displaying excellent vision and instincts to recognize pressures pre-snap.
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. Whitehair 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.
Whitehair is currently ranked as the No. 2 senior offensive guard prospect and potential top-50 draft pick for the 2016 NFL Draft by NFLDraftScout.com.
What NFL Scouts are saying
“I think he's probably better at guard in our league, but he might be able to play all five positions if needed. He knows how to neutralize speed off the edge or quickness inside…very, very well-coached and it shows on film.” – AFC North scout
The Interview
Q: First off, tell me a little about your football journey, when did you start playing football and how you wound up at Kansas State?
A: I started playing little league tackle football in second grade and then I played in middle school and in high school. I played tight end as a freshman and then right tackle my sophomore through senior years. At the end of my sophomore year, I went to a Kansas State football camp over the summer and my junior year I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship. I had a few other offers, but not many. Growing up in the area, it was a dream to play here. I signed and redshirted in 2011 and then I was fortunate enough to be a starter at left guard for Coach Snyder and that year we won the Big 12 championship. And then from there I was asked to play a few different positions. Mainly at left guard my sophomore year and then the last two games at right tackle. And then junior and senior year I have been at left tackle.
Q: You mentioned that you've played both tackle and guard, on both sides of the line. Are you more comfortable inside or outside and which do you like playing better?
A: I would say my main preference is inside, but the team has asked me to play left tackle and with one season under my belt, I think I have a little more experience at left tackle and hopefully I'll use that to my advance this year.
Q: At the next level, do you hope to stay at tackle or are you open to a move back to guard?
A: I would like to think I can play both. 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.
Q: What would you consider your best strength as a blocker? What do you do best and what do you need to work on?
A: My pass blocking, I feel like I keep my shoulders square, which is vital as a tackle. My run blocking can always improve. The overall physicality at the point of attack can always improve. I have a lot of areas to work on.
Q: Coach Snyder has said that you're the hardest worker on the team. And I know coach wouldn't say something like that lightly unless he truly believed it. Where does that motivation come from?
A: It just comes from within, the motivation that I want to be successful and I want this team to be successful. 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.
Q: With B.J. Finney moving on, you are the clear-cut leader on the offensive line and maybe the entire offense. Are you comfortable with that leadership role?
A: As a player rep last year, which was basically one step below captain, I was trained through that experience. I was prepared to step into a captain position this year. I can always be more vocal, but I'll contribute best I can. And get the offensive line ready to go.
Q: What would you say is the most important quality for an offensive lineman to be successful?
A: It all starts with your feet. If you can get your feet moving to cover up a guy, that's half the battle. You need great hands and a great punch. Whether run blocking or pass blocking, defenses will move, you need good feet and footwork to pick up that movement.
Q: Have you talked with any of your former teammates like Tyler Locket or Tavon Rooks who has gone through the draft process and did they offer any advice?
A: They talked about a few things here and there. But right now, they said focus on your senior year. Have a break out year and everything else will take care of its self.
Q: Kansas State has had a player drafted every year since 1994, an active streak that is longer than Ohio State, Alabama and other programs. What would it mean to extend that streak for the program?
A: We like to see our guys in the NFL. Hard work pays off to keep dreams going. It means a lot to this program and to the coaching staff. Our coaches get us ready for the next level and perform at a high level. Coaches in the NFL see the consistency and toughness of Kansas State players.
Q: Has the NFL always been a dream of yours?
A: Yeah, I would probably say since the recruiting process when I was getting looks to play in college football. Then it became more real that maybe it could be a goal to achieve. I've always been a big kid, growing up I played football. I didn't know how real it was at first, but once I played in college football, it was more real.
Q: Is there an offensive lineman you look up to or try to model your game after?
A: My first few years in the Big 12, I watched Russell Okung from Oklahoma State and so I looked up to him and watched him play. Obviously I'm not as big but I admire him.
Q: Not including any of your teammates, who is the toughest pass rusher or defensive lineman you have faced in your college career?
A: Probably Shawn Oakman. Shawn is a great athlete, he's long and physical. He's tough to get your hands on. At 6-foot-9 and 280 or whatever he is, it makes it very tough for me who is a little undersized at tackle. He's back for another year and maybe we can play him better this year.
Q: Facing a player like Oakman who is obviously much larger and longer, how can you use your strengths to combat that?
A: The main thing there with him being bigger than most defensive ends, if you can get under a guy who is 6-foot-9 then maybe that's what I can do to my advantage. With me being a little undersized, I can play a little lower to the ground and get under him.
Q: Fast forward five years from now, where do you see yourself?
A: Well, I just got engaged so I'd like to have a family by then. And if I am fortunate to play in the NFL, hopefully I'm still playing.
For Cody Whitehair, I'm seeing as high as late 1st to 4th round
Here's a 1st round projection
http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2659/2016-NFL-Mock-Draft-Version-10-Preseason-Edition
29. Seattle Seahawks:Cody Whitehair, OT/OG, Kansas State. He doesn’t get the attention that goes to many other offensive linemen in what appears to be a very gifted class, but Whitehair might be the best in show. Strong, physical and fantastic at attacking the second level, Whitehair is a good tackle prospect but an elite guard, potentially. Seattle can use help all over the offensive line, especially if Russell Okung departs.
And here's a long read from CBS regarding Whitehair. They have him rated as a 2nd round pick. Very cool interview.
Meet the Prospect: Kansas State OL Cody Whitehair
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
September 9, 2015 12:27 pm ET
Throughout the season, the “Meet the Prospect” series will highlight an underrated senior NFL prospect with a scouting report, interview and glimpse at what NFL scouts think of the player.
OL Cody Whitehair, Kansas State (6-4, 309, 5.08, #55)
The Scouting Report
A three-star recruit out of high school, Whitehair became a starter as a redshirt freshman and has started 38 games the last three seasons. 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 a year ago. Whitehair returned to left tackle as a senior captain in 2015 and is one of the top draft-eligible NFL prospects in the Big 12 conference.
Whitehair has 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. Whitehair plays with veteran awareness, displaying excellent vision and instincts to recognize pressures pre-snap.
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. Whitehair 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.
Whitehair is currently ranked as the No. 2 senior offensive guard prospect and potential top-50 draft pick for the 2016 NFL Draft by NFLDraftScout.com.
What NFL Scouts are saying
“I think he's probably better at guard in our league, but he might be able to play all five positions if needed. He knows how to neutralize speed off the edge or quickness inside…very, very well-coached and it shows on film.” – AFC North scout
The Interview
Q: First off, tell me a little about your football journey, when did you start playing football and how you wound up at Kansas State?
A: I started playing little league tackle football in second grade and then I played in middle school and in high school. I played tight end as a freshman and then right tackle my sophomore through senior years. At the end of my sophomore year, I went to a Kansas State football camp over the summer and my junior year I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship. I had a few other offers, but not many. Growing up in the area, it was a dream to play here. I signed and redshirted in 2011 and then I was fortunate enough to be a starter at left guard for Coach Snyder and that year we won the Big 12 championship. And then from there I was asked to play a few different positions. Mainly at left guard my sophomore year and then the last two games at right tackle. And then junior and senior year I have been at left tackle.
Q: You mentioned that you've played both tackle and guard, on both sides of the line. Are you more comfortable inside or outside and which do you like playing better?
A: I would say my main preference is inside, but the team has asked me to play left tackle and with one season under my belt, I think I have a little more experience at left tackle and hopefully I'll use that to my advance this year.
Q: At the next level, do you hope to stay at tackle or are you open to a move back to guard?
A: I would like to think I can play both. 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.
Q: What would you consider your best strength as a blocker? What do you do best and what do you need to work on?
A: My pass blocking, I feel like I keep my shoulders square, which is vital as a tackle. My run blocking can always improve. The overall physicality at the point of attack can always improve. I have a lot of areas to work on.
Q: Coach Snyder has said that you're the hardest worker on the team. And I know coach wouldn't say something like that lightly unless he truly believed it. Where does that motivation come from?
A: It just comes from within, the motivation that I want to be successful and I want this team to be successful. 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.
Q: With B.J. Finney moving on, you are the clear-cut leader on the offensive line and maybe the entire offense. Are you comfortable with that leadership role?
A: As a player rep last year, which was basically one step below captain, I was trained through that experience. I was prepared to step into a captain position this year. I can always be more vocal, but I'll contribute best I can. And get the offensive line ready to go.
Q: What would you say is the most important quality for an offensive lineman to be successful?
A: It all starts with your feet. If you can get your feet moving to cover up a guy, that's half the battle. You need great hands and a great punch. Whether run blocking or pass blocking, defenses will move, you need good feet and footwork to pick up that movement.
Q: Have you talked with any of your former teammates like Tyler Locket or Tavon Rooks who has gone through the draft process and did they offer any advice?
A: They talked about a few things here and there. But right now, they said focus on your senior year. Have a break out year and everything else will take care of its self.
Q: Kansas State has had a player drafted every year since 1994, an active streak that is longer than Ohio State, Alabama and other programs. What would it mean to extend that streak for the program?
A: We like to see our guys in the NFL. Hard work pays off to keep dreams going. It means a lot to this program and to the coaching staff. Our coaches get us ready for the next level and perform at a high level. Coaches in the NFL see the consistency and toughness of Kansas State players.
Q: Has the NFL always been a dream of yours?
A: Yeah, I would probably say since the recruiting process when I was getting looks to play in college football. Then it became more real that maybe it could be a goal to achieve. I've always been a big kid, growing up I played football. I didn't know how real it was at first, but once I played in college football, it was more real.
Q: Is there an offensive lineman you look up to or try to model your game after?
A: My first few years in the Big 12, I watched Russell Okung from Oklahoma State and so I looked up to him and watched him play. Obviously I'm not as big but I admire him.
Q: Not including any of your teammates, who is the toughest pass rusher or defensive lineman you have faced in your college career?
A: Probably Shawn Oakman. Shawn is a great athlete, he's long and physical. He's tough to get your hands on. At 6-foot-9 and 280 or whatever he is, it makes it very tough for me who is a little undersized at tackle. He's back for another year and maybe we can play him better this year.
Q: Facing a player like Oakman who is obviously much larger and longer, how can you use your strengths to combat that?
A: The main thing there with him being bigger than most defensive ends, if you can get under a guy who is 6-foot-9 then maybe that's what I can do to my advantage. With me being a little undersized, I can play a little lower to the ground and get under him.
Q: Fast forward five years from now, where do you see yourself?
A: Well, I just got engaged so I'd like to have a family by then. And if I am fortunate to play in the NFL, hopefully I'm still playing.
