2016 NFL Mock Draft: February edition

11th Pick – Chicago Bears (6-10)
Cody Whitehair – OG
Kansas State – Redshirt Senior
6-4, 300 Pounds

The Bears need so many things this off-season, yet I can’t get to all of it right away. The Bears are poised to be big-money spenders, in which I anticipate most of the money to be spent on defense, while the offensive line is addressed in the draft. Don’t get me wrong, Kyle Long and Jermon Bushrod haven’t done a great job, but I don’t think the Bears switch them up or anything. Also, I don’t think the Bears will invest into a quarterback this early, especially with how well Jay Cutler played last year. Realistically, the Bears need to keep it simple, do things to get the Bears to the next level.

The hole inside the offensive line is tremendous, and whether the Bears fix it with free agency or the draft, it will determine what happens. I like Cody Whitehair, a kid who has been moved all over the offensive line at Kansas State, and he could eventually become the main cog for the Bears. Cody is consistant, he brings his natural leadership onto the offensive line, and makes his play do the talking.

Whitehair does have the talent to start off at left tackle for the Bears (if they decide to let Jermon Bushrod go), yet his permenant position seems to be left or right guard. He plays very well in a tight base, being able to extend at the point of contact, and absorbs contact very well. He is quick off the line, being able to pull (like I’ve seen on some of his game-tape), but he doesn’t have the longest arms. Cody Whitehair is drafted where a lot of guards aren’t, and he would be coming in with a lot of pressure.

Player Comparison: Chance Warmack – Tennessee Titans

Next: The Saints are on the clock