Quinton Coples Scouting Report

CCoples saw playing time since stepping onto campus as a freshman in 2008. The Tar Heels used him at both defensive end and defensive tackle (junior in 2010), but Coples returned to DE as a senior and that will be his position in the NFL. The Kinston, NC native had 6.5 tackles for loss and five sacks as a sophomore then erupted as a junior with 10 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. He was somewhat inconsistent during his senior campaign as part of a star-studded North Carolina defense, recording 55 total tackles (29 solo) in 13 games. However, Coples led the team in tackles for loss (15), sacks (7.5), and quarterback hurries (seven). He also forced three fumbles while recovering one.

With outstanding size at 6'6'' and 285 pounds, Coples projects to be a star end in a 4-3 scheme at the next level. He has speed in the 4.7 range in the 40-yard dash and has been clocked as fast as 4.67 from that distance. Even though he is a versatile defender who can play both end and tackle, Coples needs to improve against the run. Coples would also do well to develop a signature move that he can use to get past offensive tackles since he does not have the speed to consistently blow by them (although simply overpowering them is an option). He appears to have established himself as the best defensive end in the 2012 draft class. Look for him to go off the board in the Top 10 overall in the upcoming draft.