Chicago Bears: Top 10 draft picks under Ryan Pace
By Ryan Heckman
3. Guard/Center Cody Whitehair
Cody Whitehair is by no means a sexy pick to be on this list, but he is well-deserving. Whitehair is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in all of football. He has played well at both center and guard for the Bears, and he does it without hesitation.
Because of injuries up front on the line over the last couple seasons, Whitehair has been moved around quite a bit. He’s a perfect example of a player that Pace would like to come away with in this year’s draft. The Bears need to find another quality offensive linemen to slide in at either center or guard, so that Whitehair won’t have to continue to move around.
Whitehair is entering his third year out of Kansas State as as a former second-round selection. If he can get some kind of consistency at one position for an extended period of time, he will continue to be an even better version of the Pro Bowl player he already is.
There he is Howard!!! just brought it but my man Center Cody Whitehair just dominant in the scoop block look at this guy. Dominate then Leno showing great effort and feet on the down block. but howard just is so good. @BearsBarroom 1 year it took for 1st opening drive TD pic.twitter.com/UY2HB663KM
— Draft Dr. Phil (@FulphilO) December 10, 2017
Howard is quick and athletic, which is something I’m sure Nagy is looking forward to using in this new offense in 2018. His ability to get off the ball quickly, especially when playing center, is impressive. In this new offense, it will be imperative for the linemen to get off the snap quickly and move to their blocks in a hurry.
There is a lot of movement coming, including several RPO-style plays. If you could clone Whitehair and start him at both center and guard, the Bears would be a in good shape!