Quinton Coples (DE, North Carolina) vs Miami

Last week I argued that Quinton Coples (DE, UNC) was over rated. He’s universally graded as a top ten pick, something I cannot agree with. What position will he play at the next level? He’s not quick enough to provide a consistent edge rush, he hasn’t got a strong repertoire of moves – in fact he hasn’t even mastered one specific move which he can turn to in college. He’s not big enough to move inside and play the three-technique. You generally end up settling for the five-technique in a 3-4, but it’s a compromise. There’s a lot of physical potential, but nowhere near enough evidence on tape to warrant a high pick.

Coples picked up a sack in Saturday’s 30-24 defeat to Miami. Here’s the tape courtesy of JMPasq:

4 Comments

  1. FWBrodie

    Kinda reminds me of Adrian Clayborn in that he’s a tough block all day long, plays disciplined and strong, and despite a lack of elite explosion is a very nice mix of athleticism and strength. One thing he does very well is own the outside lane. Miami probably tried to run the ball out there 6 times and until one hiccup in the 4th they probably accumulated about -4 yards or so. I could see him getting 8-10 sacks a year without a full repertoire of pass rush moves because his speed will get him a step sometimes and his strength will allow him to cash that step in for a sack. He definitely looks athletic enough to develop as a pass rusher and I really like his game against the run. Nice feel for the position.

    After the way you described him Rob I was expecting to see this year’s version of Greg Romeus who even before the injuries did not demonstrate the explosion or power needed to consistently win battles with tackles despite his apparent physical gifts. I’ll give you the raw pass rush skills, and he clearly isn’t a speed rusher, but he’s a first rounder to me for sure. Clayborn’s skills have translated extremely well to the NFL and I think Coples could be similar with more upside as a pass rusher.

    • FWBrodie

      He’s more of a methodical end than one that plays with reckless abandon, which translates to less big plays but also less mistakes and consistent control of his lane.

      • Rob

        I think Clayborn had an aggressive streak that Coples lacks, and it worked for AC. I also always felt Clayborn was more of a technician which made up for a lack of explosion and it was only really the scheme fit that forced me to look at other players and kind of rule him out for Seattle last year.

        Coples to me is more physically ideal for the position but plays at about 60% of the same tenacity as Clayborn. Romeus was always way over valued for me – from a physical and technical standpoint. Coples is a much better athlete but doesn’t make the most of his natural gifts. For me he’s a weaker version of Carlos Dunlap with less explosive potential.

        • FWBrodie

          The Dunlap comparison is fair, but I do think Coples is a bit faster and more athletic. Clayborn’s great hand work is in a class of it’s own so yeah that’s a good point too.

          It would be nice to see Coples play meaner and more aggressively. I guess it also comes down to how much you weight pass rush vs. run defense. For the Seahawks, pass rush is key.

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