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2016 Senior Bowl: 5 49ers’ Prospect Targets Who Impressed During the Game

By Jerod Brown

Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; The North squad huddles before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; The North squad huddles before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad offensive guard Cody Whitehair of Kansas State (55) battles offensive tackle Spencer Drango of Baylor (58) during a drill during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad offensive guard Cody Whitehair of Kansas State (55) battles offensive tackle Spencer Drango of Baylor (58) during a drill during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

Cody Whitehair-Guard-Kansas State

Whitehair isn’t a new arrival for anyone. He’s been on the radar for weeks now as one of the top interior offensive lineman in the upcoming draft. He did, however, continue his hot streak by absolutely dominating throughout the week in Mobile and in the game on Saturday.

In a game where defensive lines continually embarrassed their opposition, Whitehair stood out as the most developed and NFL-ready lineman in the entire group.

Nearly everyone in Mobile recognized how dominant Whitehair was in his performance at the Senior Bowl.

I recently wrote about 49ers players and positions that need major improvement in 2016. Whitehair has separated himself as the best guard in this class, and could be seen as an immediate upgrade on the interior offensive line.

After playing tackle in college, Whitehair will move inside to guard where he figures to be more productive. Although athletic enough to play tackle in college, he simply doesn’t have the arm length or quickness out of a starting NFL left tackle. He can, however, be a mauler inside for the team wise enough to draft him.

Whitehair will be available late on the first day but the 49ers will have to move and monitor other teams if he is the target. Trading back to stockpile picks and target a Day 1 starter along the offensive line could be the strategy to re-establish dominance up front.

Whitehair is big, strong and willing to do the dirty work inside. If 49ers guard Alex Boone leaves in free agency, Whitehair is an immediate replacement. The 49ers could solidify their offensive line for the next five years with one pick.

Next: Poll: Which Quarterback Should 49ers Take In Draft

The 49ers have had an opportunity to view these players close up for the last week and, while the game has little importance, it’s always a great chance to see which players are rising quickly among other boards.

Some of the players that stood out were expected to. Others, well, they made themselves some money by showing up throughout the week. The 49ers have plenty of holes to fill throughout the draft and could target some of these very prospects come April.

Whether the 49ers decide to select players to develop, or choose a “plug and play” guard in the first round, they should have their eyes on these five players that excelled against the competition in Mobile.

Next: 5 49ers with a Last Chance in 2016

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN Statistics unless otherwise indicated.