Fahn Cooper NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for 49ers Rookie

POSITIVES

A starter at both left and right tackle in the Ole Miss offense, Fahn Cooper has to excel in the run game to stay on the field in a punishing Rebels offense. His length, size and on-the-line agility make him an intriguing mid-round prospect.

Ole Miss had a reputation for soft players in the past, but Cooper and linemate Laremy Tunsil will end that. Cooper is capable of playing nasty in the trenches and will rock defenders back with strong hands. He likes to play in tight spaces and can win in a phone booth. When defenses moved their pass-rushers to Cooper’s side to keep them away from Tunsil, he held his own against top-tier athletes.

Cooper’s versatility is a big selling point. He’s played left tackle in nine games replacing Tunsil when he was out with injuries and a suspension, and he held his own there. At right tackle, he has the pop and toughness to match up with NFL talent.

NEGATIVES

Cooper could stand to attack more in every facet of his game. He’s often content to wait for a defender to make a move and try to counter him instead of initiating contact out of the snap. This will work against most SEC left ends, but it won’t fly against NFL starters.

In his footwork, Cooper can look heavy. He doesn’t slide or mirror well laterally at either tackle spot and can play high despite only being 6’4”. When he has to move to protect the corner, Cooper is often standing straight up and turning his hips away from parallel. Once he gets turned, defenders will eat on spin moves and shoulder dips.

A lack of high-end athleticism is something that can’t be added after the fact, and Cooper didn’t impress on film or in workouts. He has poor hip flexibility and lacks the explosive movements out of his stance to take over in the run game or match speed in pass protection.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 303 lbs.

40 Time: 5.17s

Arm Length: 34 ¾"

3-Cone: 7.85s

Short Shuttle: 4.89s

PRO COMPARISON: Mike Remmers, Carolina Panthers
FINAL GRADE: 5.60/9.00 (Round 5—Backup Caliber)