Cody Whitehair
G, Kansas St. · 2016 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #56 (CHI)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position, availability. Details below.
- Position
G (OL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 59.3% of the time (919 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 136 of ~148 possible regular-season games from 2016 through 2024 (~92%). Last NFL season: 2024.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #59 (#2 at his position), close to where he went (#56). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
24 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 44.9% of the time (548 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Kansas St.: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.02 40-yard dash at 301 lbs: faster than 87% of OLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 136 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 8 |
| Pro Bowls | 1 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 43 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 43.0 |
| Defense | 1 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2024 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2016 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2016 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position OL | 59.3% n=919 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 24 or older | 44.9% n=548 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 4", 301 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.02 s |
| Bench press | 16 reps |
| Vertical | 25.5" |
| Broad jump | 110" |
| 3-cone | 7.32 s |
| Shuttle | 4.58 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.25" / 10.25" |
| Age at draft | 24 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #59 overall (#2 G) |
Picked around him 2016 redraft
| 53 | Su'a Cravens | redraft #158 |
| 54 | Mackensie Alexander | redraft #113 |
| 55 | Tyler Boyd | redraft #33 |
| 57 | T.J. Green | redraft #146 |
| 58 | Sean Davis | redraft #92 |
| 59 | Roberto Aguayo | redraft #217 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.