Tag: Quinton Coples

Quinton Coples developing slowly for Jets

Jets, Rookie Notes
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The New York Jets drafted Quinton Coples with the hope that he could help immediately solidify their defensive line. Unfortunately, through two games Coples has made little impact and doesn’t appear to be a significant part of their defensive game plan.

Coples played 32 of the Jets 63 defensive snaps in the season opener, recording just one quarterback hurry according to Pro Football Focus. On Sunday against the Steelers, Coples playing time was cut back to 16 snaps.

The Jets seem to be content to stick with their starters Mike DeVito and Muhammad Wilkerson, rather than use a deeper rotation. This leaves only a handful of snaps for backup defensive ends Coples and Marcus Dixon.

This strategy is somewhat surprising considering Coples status as a 1st-round pick and the fact that the rookie is just one injury away from being forced into significant action. The more playing time he gets early this season would seem to benefit the Jets in the long run.

Draft Grades: New York Jets

Draft Grades - 2012, Jets
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The New York Jets are making some bold moves this offseason, and it carried over to the draft. The rolled the dice early and often with this draft class, and it could pay of big way… or it could cost Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan their jobs.

Quinton Coples was a bold choice in the 1st round, especially considering some of the impact players still on the board. While Coples has a ton of potential, he’s had trouble staying motivated on the field which raises some big red flags. And when players have effort issues in college, it doesn’t usually improve once they’re collecting an NFL paycheck.

I like the selection of Stephen Hill in the 2nd round, but he’s not going to provide much help early on. He’ll serve as a deep threat early in his career, and could develop into a No. 1 receiver down the road, but will Tannenbaum and Ryan be around to reap those benefits?

Demario Davis was a reach in the 3rd round and didn’t fill a position of need. He’ll backup David Harris and Bart Scott at inside linebacker and play on special teams.

Josh Bush will compete for the the right to back up LaRon Landry at strong safety and provide some help in special teams coverage.

Terrance Ganaway will compete for a backup job at running back, but I don’t like his chance of winning a job. Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight should be solidly ahead of him on the depth chart.

Robert Griffin is a massive interior lineman who will compete for a backup job. He needs to stay in better shape, but he has the potential to develop into late-round steal.

I love the selection of Antonio Allen. He may never develop into a starter, but he’ll be an immediate impact player on special teams. I actually like Allen significantly more than Josh Bush.

Jordan White has some injury issues which led to his fall in the draft, but he has the potential to be a steal if he can stay on the field. He was extremely productive at Western Michigan and could develop into a decent slot receiver at the next level.

The Jets clearly gambled early in this class and were thinking about the future more than 2012. It’s a risky strategy, but there’s no denying the fact that they added two of the most talented players in the draft in the 1st and 2nd round. However, they didn’t add anyone who projects as a future starter in the 3rd round or later. The lack of depth from this class, coupled with the early-round risks makes it tough to give them a high grade.

Quinton Coples scouting report

Scouting Reports - 2012
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Quinton Coples DE North Carolina #90
Ht: 6’6″Wt: 272
Strengths:
A physical specimen. Nice combination of size and athleticism. Has all the physical tools necessary to be an elite player at the next level. Displays flashes of dominance. Has the strength and quickness that most collegiate offensive linemen can’t compete with. Quick off the snap. Has experience at tackle and end (primarily played inside in 2010, shifted outside in 2011). Some experience lining up at end in 3-4 sets. Strong lower body; has a decent bull rush. Reliable wrap-up tackler; has long arms to secure the ball carrier.
Weaknesses:
Terribly inconsistent; coming off a very disappointing and up-and-down senior year. Didn’t appear to play with the same motor in 2011 as he did as a junior in 2010. Raw athleticism doesn’t translate to the field; won’t be an elite Julius Peppers-type pass rusher at the next level as some expected from him entering senior year. Doesn’t have a wide array of pass rush moves; relies primarily on outside speed or a bull rush. Needs to play with better leverage; height works to his disadvantage at times. Academic issues in high school; forced to attend Hargrave Military Academy before enrolling at North Carolina. Investigated for potential NCAA violations in spring of 2011 but no penalties were issued.
Comments:
Coples’ ceiling is as high as just about anyone in this draft class, but I’m always wary of elite physical specimens who have a disappointing final season in college – it is often an indication of a lack of effort and desire to be great. Coples had his fair share of big plays as a senior, but too often was taken out of games by inferior offensive linemen (most notably vs Miami left tackle Brandon Washington). At times he reminds me Ray Edwards – limited pass rush, but solid three-down lineman – but Coples has a huge bust factor. He may be a top-10 talent, but isn’t worth the risk. He’s a much safer bet in the late 1st or even 2nd round.
Videos:
2011 vs Clemson
2011 vs Miami
2010 vs Tennessee (bowl game)
2010 vs Virginia Tech