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Grading Each 49ers Selection in the 2016 NFL Draft

By Chandler Wright

Apr 28, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams fans await the announcement of quarterback Jared Goff as the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft at draft party at L.A. Live. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams fans await the announcement of quarterback Jared Goff as the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft at draft party at L.A. Live. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Ryan Buchanan (9) looks to pass as offensive lineman Fahn Cooper (74) blocks Arkansas Razorbacks defensive end JaMichael Winston (6) during first half action at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Ryan Buchanan (9) looks to pass as offensive lineman Fahn Cooper (74) blocks Arkansas Razorbacks defensive end JaMichael Winston (6) during first half action at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports /

Fahn Cooper, OT, Mississippi

Addressing the offensive line was such an area of concern for San Francisco that they spent back to back picks on offensive tackles in the fifth round of last week’s draft. In fact, when you go back and look at Baalke’s draft history, this is the first time, as general manager of the 49ers, he’s ever spent more than two picks on the offensive line.

Fhan Cooper stands 6’4″ and weighs 303 pounds. He’s a big mauler, but lacks ideal quickness to handle NFL caliber edge-rushers. This is what Mark Dulgerian had to say about Cooper:

"“Chip Kelly likes to run the ball and Cooper has some “mauler” to him. He was a reliable replacement at LT in games Tunsil missed but he may struggle to mirror NFL edge speed”"

Cooper did however, have an unconventional ride from High School to the NFL, where he lived out of his car and attended community college. This kind of dedication could help Cooper succeed because it shows a “whatever it takes” kind of attitude. Check out Jennifer Leechan’s story on ninersnation.com.

The bottom line with Cooper is that he’s coming in no better than ninth on the 49ers O Line depth chart, with Joe Staley, Zane Beadles, Daniel Kilgore, Andrew Tiller, Trenton Brown, Joshua Garnett, John Theus and Marcus Martin all curently ahead of him. I think it being an OL pick and adding competition, to the team’s weakest unit from last season, makes this pick worth while.

Overall Grade: C+ or (6/10)

Next: Round 6 Pick No. 32