Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsFriday, July 3, 2026

NCAA clears top NFL Draft prospect Quinton Coples

The NCAA concluded today that North Carolina senior defensive end Quinton Coples didn't violate any rules after attending a draft party for former teammate Marvin Austin, reports the Charlotte Observer.

Coples’ attorney Robert Orr told the paper that the issue with the NCAA is closed.

“At no time was there ever any allegation or intimation of a violation of NCAA By-laws,” a statement from Orr read. “This process was simply the NCAA gathering information relevant to its responsibilities for monitoring student/athlete conduct as governed by the NCAA By-laws.”

What the ruling is relevant to is Coples’ draft status. Even as North Carolina’s program looks to be on the same path as USC and Ohio State, it shouldn’t negatively affect Coples’ season.

Coming off a junior season of 10 sacks, the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Coples is considered a top five pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. If he can produce a similar campaign as a a senior, Coples could even challenge for the top pick in the draft.


Read our preseason notes on Coples here. For more on this story, check out CharlotteObserver.com.

Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Eagles stick with what works; invest in the trenchesSB Nation NFL mock draft: Eagles stick with what works; invest in the trenches
Mocking the Draft

This player should be a plug-and-play replacement for Mekhi Becton right off the bat.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Chiefs get an absolute steal of a WR at No. 31SB Nation NFL mock draft: Chiefs get an absolute steal of a WR at No. 31
Mocking the Draft

This guy’s got talent, plus playing with Patrick Mahomes automatically elevates his potential.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Bills fill biggest need with a top CB at No. 30SB Nation NFL mock draft: Bills fill biggest need with a top CB at No. 30
Mocking the Draft

He’s a bit of a liability in the run game, but his potential in the pass game was enough for Buffalo Rumblings.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Commanders give Jayden Daniels a fluid playmaker at WR with No. 29 pickSB Nation NFL mock draft: Commanders give Jayden Daniels a fluid playmaker at WR with No. 29 pick
Mocking the Draft

This pick could help the Commanders build on last year’s excellent season.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Lions bring in a pass-rushing partner in crime for Aidan HutchinsonSB Nation NFL mock draft: Lions bring in a pass-rushing partner in crime for Aidan Hutchinson
Mocking the Draft

It’s a high-potential pick for a Detroit defense that needs a solid pass rusher.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Rams keep building defensive identity at No. 26SB Nation NFL mock draft: Rams keep building defensive identity at No. 26
Mocking the Draft

This rookie would be a great complement to Jared Verse and Byron Young.

By Michael Peterson