The New York Jets went defense in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, as they selected DE Quinton Coples from North Carolina at #16 overall. Coples, who will turn 22 later this year, was named a first team All-ACC selection in 2010 and 2011. He recorded 59 tackles and 10 sacks in 2010 as a junior. Then, in 2011 Coples registered 55 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He ranked 4th in the country among active players with 24 career sacks and left UNC with 144 total tackles, 5 forced fumbles, 22 quarterback hurries and 4 pass breakups.
There are questions however about Coples' work ethic. According to various draft experts, Coples is a rather risky pick. He displayed flashes of dominance during his years at UNC and then took some plays off and disappeared for long stretches. He definitely has the physical attributes to succeed in the league, but does he really want to work hard?
Here's ProFootballWeekly evaluation of Quinton Coples:
Positives:
Excellent size, body length and movement skill. Quick off the ball. Fluid athlete with very good bend, balance and body control. Has outstanding core strength and power and can stack the line and dominate when he wants to. Strong tackler. Made it look easy at the Senior Bowl — uses his hands extremely well to swim, swat and rip past blockers. Good burst to close. Flashes explosive power in his hands — can jolt and jar blockers on contact. Versatile — is effective rushing from the inside or outside, has played everywhere on the line and is capable of doing so in the pros (with the exception of nose tackle).
Negatives:
Marginal competitor — left a lot of production on the field and does not apply himself. Will let his pads rise and play tall. Does not sell out around piles. Lackadaisical, half-hearted effort and backside pursuit — shut it down as a senior to preserve his body and was playing not to get hurt. Led the ACC in loafs. Marginal 20-yard shuttle (4.79 seconds) and 3-cone time (7.61 seconds) at the Combine. Has a sense of entitlement and too often relies on his natural talent. Immature.