Normally Reserved Cody Whitehair Raves About Braxton Jones

Cody Whitehair may not go down in history as one of the Chicago Bears' best offensive linemen. Yet nobody can say the man has been a disappointment. He has proven to be the most reliable blocker they've drafted in the past decade. While others come and go with each off-season, he stays put. By this point, the veteran has a good idea of what good ones must look like to excel in this city. Not that he is prone to expressing his opinion. For all his ability as a player, Whitehair carries a reputation for being even-keeled. He isn't one to throw big statements around often. It isn't his style. That is why what happened during his latest presser on Tuesday was somewhat surprising. He was asked about new teammate Braxton Jones, now projected as the starting left tackle for the Bears. Whitehair wasn't just complimentary. He went so far as to predict big things from the rookie.

"Braxton's gonna be a good player. The way he studies, the way he understands stuff. He's very athletic. He's got great length. He uses his hands well. I really like where Braxton's at right now. You can tell the kid really wants to be a good player."

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Cody Whitehair should know better than anybody.

He has plenty right next to Jones for all of training camp. The 5th round pick came in with little fanfare back in April. He came from small Southern Utah. His team had gone 1-10 the previous year. Scouts liked his athletic upside, but nobody believed he'd be anything more than a project his first year. After watching him in the opener against Kansas City, it's time to start thinking bigger. This young man, inexperienced though he is, can play. Offensive line coach Chris Morgan has worked with some excellent left tackles in his career. Russell Okung in Seattle and Jake Matthews in Atlanta. There is no way he'd slide Jones into the starting spot if he weren't seeing something he liked. Getting a vote of confidence from Cody Whitehair only strengthens the case. The Bears may have stumbled onto something with this kid. It is too early to tell how good he can be. Still, his progress has been nothing short of astounding.