New York Jets Select Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina Live 2012 NFL Draft Grade

With the 16th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New York Jets have selected Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Here is our report on Coples:

NFLmocks preseason bio

Probably the top defensive end prospect in the entire draft. After a sophomore season where he had five sacks, he replaced suspended Robert Quinn and passed all tests with flying colors. Coples had 59 total tackles, 10 sacks, and 15.5 tackles for loss, proving he is more than capable of handling the full time load. Now, he will be receiving constant attention, even though the Heels return a pretty star-studded defensive line. Coples has the requisite size to be a dominant defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, but he needs to improve against the run. He will be on all pre-season award watch lists for defensive linemen, and is our top defensive end heading into the 2011 season. Tall defender who knows how to use his superior athleticism. Had one forced fumble in 2010, and with his size and strength, could show more of that killer instinct. This is a guy that has a lot of pressure on him this year to really perform at a high level, and I think he will answer the call.

Pros–Great size for a defensive end..Versatility can play both tackle (43) and end (43 or 34)…pass rush ability…makes plays behind the line of scrimmage…opportunistic (will benefit from it being a down year for defensive linemen)…good at getting his hands into the offensive linemen and keeping the OL hands off him..strong, good bull rush…stunts pretty well…

Cons–inconsistency in 2011 thus far, wasn’t even a starter until player went down with injury…struggling to adjust to double teams…not a prototypical speed rusher…should be a much  better player vs the run for a player with his size..plays too high..can get turned and pushed easily out of play…not going to shoot many gaps…

Pick Grade: B+

This wasn’t my highest rated pass rusher available, so I don’t really like the pick but Coples has a chance to be an elite pass rusher and the Jets are going to try to capitalize off of his immense upside. A decent pick in the middle of the first round.