In Mel Kiper's final 2012 NFL Mock Draft, the ESPN analyst projects that the New York Jets will use the No. 16 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft to select Quinton Coples, a defensive end from North Carolina.
Coples, a 6-foot-6, 285-pounder, is seen as a talented prospect who possesses all the athletic traits to become an elite NFL defensive end, but still lacks a level of polish most teams look for. Though still raw, Coples is blessed with size, strength, long arms and quickness that sets his ceiling high, even though he's not a sure thing at the Jets' selection midway through the first round.
Kiper believes the Jets' coaching staff can get the most out of Coples.
I think Rex Ryan can maximize Coples. He may not have the arsenal of moves you want out of a pure 4-3 DE, but Ryan might also bring him inside. Think of how Houston used J.J. Watt last year. Regardless, the Jets need to find ways to create more pressure, and Coples can be a good piece of the puzzle.
For more news and updates on the New York Jets be sure to visit Gang Green Nation and SB Nation New York. For more mock draft information, check out Mocking The Draft. Prospect profiles can also be found at the National Football Post, an SB Nation partner.
