2016 East West Shrine Game Recap (Offense)

Tackle:

The Bears had two new starting tackles in 2015 and both of them showed enough potential that they should be back in the lineup in 2016. Besides Long and Leno Jr the Bears don’t have much talent at the tackle position. Former starting LT Jermom Bushrod is dealing with a back injury and probably won’t be back at $6M+ for a backup and the rest of their tackles are unproven, developmental players. I would be surprised if the Bears don’t draft a tackle and there were a couple of interesting ones in the Shrine game.

Stephane Nembot, Colorado – Former basketball player from Canada who has only been playing organized football for six years, but has prototype tackle size (6’7 | 325) and agility. Nembot looked raw during the game, but flashed quickness and power at times. He’s all upside at this point, but for teams looking for a developmental tackle (like the Bears), Nembot could be a mid-to-late round target. After a year or two on the practice squad, Nembot could end up being special once he learns the nuances of the tackle position.

Fahn Cooper, Ole Miss – Played both left and right tackle for Ole Miss in 2015, but is most likely better off as a right tackle in the NFL. Cooper was solid for most of the Shrine game and had a good week of practice, showing the mobility to get to the second level as a run blocker and stoning DEs in 1-1 pass blocking drills. Cooper isn’t flashy, but fundamentally sound with good technique in both run blocking and pass pro. He’s a potential mid-round pick who could contribute early in his NFL career as a swing tackle.