Oakland Raiders: Five Post-Combine Prospects to Watch
By Austin Gayle
Cody Whitehair
Whether or not Oakland chooses to address the offensive line in the first round, if Cody Whitehair falls to them at No. 44 Reggie McKenzie should jump on the opportunity. Though they seem to have it solved at the left guard position with Gabe Jackson, the Raiders must make an effort to upgrade the right guard position in order for them to have a heightened level of success on the offensive side of the ball.
Whitehair, a four-year starter at Kansas State, primarily played left tackle with the Wildcats, but due to his inability to consistently cut off the quicker, more explosive edge-rushers, he better projects as a guard or center in the NFL.
“With his combination of functional strength and body control, Whitehair might be one of the safest offensive linemen in the entire draft,” via Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. “He will almost assuredly be bumped inside to guard, but could be considered at center as well. He has the confidence and talent to start right away and his run blocking should improve as he gets more comfortable firing out from a three-point stance.”
With Rodney Hudson filling Oakland’s needs at center, Whitehair would replace J’Marcus Webb at right guard and instantly fill a need heading into next year, and if he could develop into the caliber of player he has the potential to be, Whitehair would be a steal in the second round.