Chicago Bears: Ranking the top 10 current players on roster
By Ryan Heckman
6. G/C Cody Whitehair
Experience: Third season
Drafted: 2016, second round, 56th overall by CHI
In 2016, Pace found Cody Whitehair in the second round. The 25-year-old out of Kansas State came into the NFL as a multi-faceted offensive lineman. He could play either center or guard, and judging by the Bears’ offensive line struggles over the few years before 2016, that was just the type of player they needed.
Whitehair came in right away and started for the Bears. Since then, he hasn’t missed a game. Finishing his rookie year strong, Whitehair made a strong impression on Pro Football Focus. He was their highest graded second round pick from the 2016 draft class.
Some fans want to argue that Whitehair really isn’t all that impressive, but the fact of the matter is, he has played very well at both guard and center for the majority of his time on the field. Has he had occasional struggles? Absolutely. But, the thing I like about Whitehair is that he doesn’t let his downfalls affect him for very long.
He is the perfect example of a team-first type of player and has adjusted well no matter where he plays. The team knows it and his front office knows it.
#Bears GM Ryan Pace says Cody Whitehair's position flexibility gives them a lot of options moving forward. G sounds like it's on the table.
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) February 28, 2018
Pace said recently, while at the combine, that Whitehair’s flexibility is not only one of his strengths, but one of the team’s strengths as well. The fact that Whitehair is willing to play either guard or center definitely opens up the possibilities for Nagy and the offense as they enter free agency and the draft.