Quinton Coples Selection: Quick Reaction

As widely expected, the New York Jets selected a defensive end in Thursday night's opening round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

But with South Carolina's Melvin Ingram still on the board, many Jets fans were surprised to hear the name of Quinton Coples called instead at No. 16. The 6-foot-6, 284-pound defensive end was commonly projected as a defensive end with rare skill but a questionable work effort. Ingram, a 6-foot-1, 264-pound defensive end, was also perceived as skilled enough to play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He could've played that in New York, but was drafted two picks later at No. 18 by the San Diego Chargers.

The instant reaction was generally mixed toward Coples, whose work ethic questions seemed to come front and center relatively quickly.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan:

"I think with this addition,'' Ryan said, "we'll push the quarterback back."

Coples prepared for Jets: Quinton Coples knows just how much the Jets needed a pass rusher, in fact he watc... es.pn/ItSnGa #nyj

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 27, 2012

Simmons: If anyone can get Quinton Coples to try, and then, not to try, it's Rex Ryan.

— Grantland Live (@GrantlandLive) April 27, 2012