Quinton Coples
6'6, 285 pounds | Defensive end | North Carolina
Quinton Coples 2012 NFL Draft scouting report
Getty Images
Pass rush: Coples is exclusively a quickness and power pass rusher. Because of his size, he doesn’t have the speed and athleticism to get low and turn the corner fast. With his size, Coples is able to cover a lot of area quickly. If an offensive tackle can keep Coples from gaining the edge, he has some trouble because he can’t close quickly. Coples is at his best when he can rip with his left hand and swim through with his right. Will often get the advantage by getting the first step and jolting the lineman back. Doesn’t seem to use counter moves as well as he should. Instead, Coples will rely on his power after his initial move doesn’t work.
Is much better when he can take the inside gap instead of playing the corner. Although Coples is often lined up at right end, he has and can play on the left side. In the pros, that might be his better position where he can work against slower tackles.
Pursuit: The effort put forth by Coples has been inconsistent, particularly during his senior season. Doesn’t always work through double teams as relentlessly as you’d prefer. When Coples is working hard, he can be a terror. He has good range against the run because of his length and power. To really judge Coples’ effort and pursuit, watch his feet. When he’s on, Coples is always moving his feet and getting after the ball. When he’s off, Coples is flat on his feet and not being as mobile.
Run defense: When he’s lined up as a defensive end, this is probably Coples’ best asset. He’s strong at the point of attack and hard to move off the line. Because he has some natural quickness working to the inside, Coples’s side of the line is hard to run on. Coples knows how to use his hands properly to disengage. As a junior, Coples played almost exclusive at defensive tackle and became a star. That was not only because of his ability to pass rush from the middle, but because he’s strong against the run. When Coples is lined up at to play the B-gap, his first step often allows him to get the advantage inside.
Strength: Right now, Coples is strong enough to be a starter in the NFL. Coples will often overpower linemen, especially in the run game. He’s a powerful bull rusher in the pass game, especially when he gets the first step advantage. As a junior, Coples was often asked to line up in the three-technique and he was plenty strong enough to be a star in that role.
Tackling: Coples is a dangerous tackler when he gets to the ball carrier. He’s nearly impossible shake off and his long arms engulf players. Doesn’t need help to finish off tackles.
Technique: Likes to come out of the four-point stance, which isn't ideal (unless you're Red Bryant, which Coples isn't). Has long arms, and with his hand work, Coples knows how to keep blockers out of his frame. Does a really nice job of keeping blockers out of his feet. Doesn't make a lot of bad movements — there are no meaningless spin moves or false flashiness to Coples' game.
Final word: Make no mistake, despite finishing strong against Virginia Tech and Duke, Coples had a down senior season for North Carolina. He had trouble with teams doubling him outside, using chip blocks from running backs and teams sliding protection to his side of the line. Because that may not happen as much in the NFL (at least initially), Coples’ down stats may not be as big of a negative as perceived.
Don’t forget that Coples spent much of the 2010 season lined up at tackle because of depth issues for the Tar Heels. Playing the inside gap suits Coples’ skills much better. He has a good first step to get inside and the power to finish off the play. When lined up at end, Coples just doesn’t have the elite speed and athleticism you look for in a 4-3 pass rusher.
See More:
