Each year, we run a series of post called "90-in-90" here at Niners Nation. The idea is that we'll take a look at every single player on the roster, from the very bottom to the top and break them down a few different ways. This is to help give everyone a basic understanding of a roster. Of course, this roster will change, and some days we'll have more than one so it's not strictly one per day but you get the idea.
The San Francisco 49ers had numerous issues with their offensive line in 2015, and they went about addressing the issues in a big way in 2016. The team signed guard Zane Beadles in free agency, traded up to draft guard Joshua Garnett late in the first round, and then drafted John Theus and Fahn Cooper in the fifth round. It remains to be seen how everyone will fit in, but the team certainly added some quantity to the depth chart.
We could probably combine Theus and Cooper into one 90-in-90 post, but where would be the fun in that? The team wrapped up the offseason workout program and both linemen got a lot of work around the line. Cooper spent his time exclusively on the right side, playing both right tackle and right guard. On the other hand, Theus played entirely at tackle, but worked at both left and right tackle. According to Jennifer Chan, Theus was even getting a little bit of first team work the last day of minicamp. It is worth noting the team would rotate Joe Staley out at times to give other players a chance with the 1s at left tackle. That often resulted in Erik Pears playing left tackle, and another player at right tackle.
Scouting reports
Basic info
Age: 22
Experience: Rookie
Height: 6’6
Weight: 303 lbs
Cap Status
Signed his rookie deal shortly after the 2016 NFL Draft, with a signing bonus of $257,612. For the 2016 season, his base salary will be $450,000, and his cap hit will be $514,403.
What to expect in 2016?
The team would appear to view him as a potential swing tackle with the work on both sides of the line. In addition, with the questions at right tackle, it is still possible Theus or Cooper might push themselves further into that competition. My guess is Erik Pears or Trent Brown are starting at right tackle, but who knows what a month of training camp and preseason football can bring. My guess is Theus and Cooper are both inactive in the early going, but even that is a tough guess to make.
Odds of making the roster
I don’t see the 49ers cutting Theus (or Cooper). Minicamp and OTAs involve no pads and no full contact, but it’s good to hear the praise. The question becomes what kind of role, and who ends up getting cut to make room for Theus (and Cooper). The 49ers drafted Trenton Brown and Ian Silberman last year, and Marcus Martin and Brandon Thomas in 2014. I see little chance all four of those guys are on the roster in 2016. Cooper could cost Brandon Thomas a roster spot, and if Brown is not in good enough shape, maybe he loses his roster spot. I think Brown will be around,