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Colts Add Free Agent Offensive Lineman Fahn Cooper

By Luke Schultheis

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Fahn Cooper (64) looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Fahn Cooper (64) looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts announced on Monday that the team signed free agent offensive lineman Fahn Cooper.

Originally selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 5th round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the 6’5″, 306 pound offensive lineman spent all of last season on the 49ers practice squad. He eventually was moved to their practice squad’s injured list reportedly because of a ‘medical issue that was non-mechanical in nature‘.

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Christian Ponder (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Devon Cajuste (86) and offensive tackle Fahn Cooper (64) during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Christian Ponder (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Devon Cajuste (86) and offensive tackle Fahn Cooper (64) during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

The former Ole Miss standout started in all 26 games for the Rebels from 2014-15 including 7 starts at left tackle and 6 starts at right tackle during his senior season–with starts on the left side coming in relief of then-suspended prized left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

For his exceptional play, he received the Kent Hull Trophy, which is given annually to Ole Miss’ college offensive lineman of the year.

Here is his NFL.com draft profile from just an offseason ago:

"DRAFT PROJECTIONRounds 6 or 7BOTTOM LINECooper is one of the tough guys up front for the Rebels, and he has good size and length for the position, but he will be limited to run blocking in tight quarters and his lack of overall athleticism and body control could make him too leaky in pass protection to ever see the field as a starter."

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While he appears to be a bit of a developmental project, it seems as though Cooper has some potential as a former mid-round draft pick. It’s possible he could compete for a roster spot as additional offensive line depth along with the Colts other returning backups.

If nothing else, he could provide an extra body in the trenches for the Colts offseason program and potentially training camp.

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