2012 NFL Draft: New York Jets Select Quinton Coples With 16th Pick

The Draft fell almost perfectly for the Jets in tonight's first round. Guys they had no interest in flew off the board early, and Seattle make a shocking first round pick in Bruce Irvin. That gave the Jets plenty of options when they picked at 16. It was almost an enticing situation to trade down. In the end, Gang Green decided to pass on Melvin Ingram, Reilly Reiff, David Decastro, and others to take North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples.

It was an interesting move. In terms of raw ability, Coples could have gone at the top of the first round. He has excellent athleticism and size at around 6'5" and 280 pounds. He has experience all over the field. He has lined up at tackle, end in both the 3-4 and 4-3 and rush linebacker. Rex Ryan will love moving him around.

The real question that plagued Coples is effort. Many observers felt his motor ran hot and cold. There were some disturbing parallels to the last pass rusher the Jets picked in the first round, Vernon Gholston. That does not mean he will become Gholston, though. He has the tools to be special. If anybody can get him to reach his potential, it is Rex Ryan.

We have plenty more to come.