Jets' First-Rounder Quinton Coples: 'I'm Ready To Become Great As A Jet'
NEW YORK (WFAN) - Jets first-round pick Quinton Coples took a few minutes to speak with Joe & Evan on WFAN on Wednesday afternoon, and the defensive end discussed the kind of player he is, responded to criticism about his dedication and revealed whether or not he knew Jets coach Rex Ryan was going to select him at No. 16.
The North Carolina alum said he's just as comfortable playing on the outside as he is playing on the inside as a tackle, and more importantly, it seems that he doesn't have much of a preference as long as he's able to contribute.
"I'm willing to play anywhere on the defensive line," Coples said. "I'm comfortable at any position, and I don't really have a specific position that gets me going. I love all the positions on the defensive front."
When asked about whether he knew the Jets would draft him if he were still on the board at No. 16, the six-foot-six, 284-pounder revealed that when he visited the Jets, Ryan informed him that New York would take him if he were available when they were on the clock. Though Coples admitted that he was never positive that he would be a Jet, he was confident in his chances because "Rex is a man of his word."
The 21-year-old considers himself a big-time pass rusher, something that the Jets desperately need.
"I trust that the Jets' staff and everybody that's incorporated around me is going to convert me into one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL," Coples exclaimed. "I think they're definitely going to prepare me to be an elite pass-rusher."
In the days following the Jets' selection of Coples, many have written and reported that the two-time All-ACC player slacked off a bit in his senior year and has a tendency to take off plays.
Coples deflected this perceived criticism, simply stating, "I'm a Jet now, I'm in the NFL now. I'm proud to be a Jet and I'm ready to move forward. I'm ready to become great as a Jet."
Do you believe that Coples will become great as a Jet? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
