Chicago Bears: Predicting the offensive line for 2021

Left Guard: Cody Whitehair

Cody Whitehair was drafted by the Chicago Bears back in 2016 and has been an anchor for the offensive line ever since. In 2016, he started all 16 games as a rookie at center paving the way for Jordan Howard to run for over 1,300 yards. He earned a spot on the All-Rookie team. In 2017, his versatility was tested due to multiple injuries as he played left guard, right guard, and center with 12 of those games being at center.

The next season, he started once again all 16 games, but he started the first eight games at left guard in an attempt to move James Daniels to the full-time center. After that didn’t work out very well, Whitehair moved back to center and the offensive line instantly improved. Daniels didn’t work out as a center even though he has the build and physicality desired.

Finally, this season was the first season Whitehair missed a game due to an injury and COVID-19 as well only missing two games. He started at center until the offensive line had their shakeup after the bye week when he permanently moved to left guard.

Whitehair clearly has more experience at center, but he is more natural and more of an impact on the team at left guard. He has struggled with snaps in his career and with the emergence of a certain center, Whitehair now can play his natural position with the team.