Quinton Coples scouting report

Quinton Coples DE North Carolina #90
Ht: 6’6″Wt: 272
Strengths:
A physical specimen. Nice combination of size and athleticism. Has all the physical tools necessary to be an elite player at the next level. Displays flashes of dominance. Has the strength and quickness that most collegiate offensive linemen can’t compete with. Quick off the snap. Has experience at tackle and end (primarily played inside in 2010, shifted outside in 2011). Some experience lining up at end in 3-4 sets. Strong lower body; has a decent bull rush. Reliable wrap-up tackler; has long arms to secure the ball carrier.
Weaknesses:
Terribly inconsistent; coming off a very disappointing and up-and-down senior year. Didn’t appear to play with the same motor in 2011 as he did as a junior in 2010. Raw athleticism doesn’t translate to the field; won’t be an elite Julius Peppers-type pass rusher at the next level as some expected from him entering senior year. Doesn’t have a wide array of pass rush moves; relies primarily on outside speed or a bull rush. Needs to play with better leverage; height works to his disadvantage at times. Academic issues in high school; forced to attend Hargrave Military Academy before enrolling at North Carolina. Investigated for potential NCAA violations in spring of 2011 but no penalties were issued.
Comments:
Coples’ ceiling is as high as just about anyone in this draft class, but I’m always wary of elite physical specimens who have a disappointing final season in college – it is often an indication of a lack of effort and desire to be great. Coples had his fair share of big plays as a senior, but too often was taken out of games by inferior offensive linemen (most notably vs Miami left tackle Brandon Washington). At times he reminds me Ray Edwards – limited pass rush, but solid three-down lineman – but Coples has a huge bust factor. He may be a top-10 talent, but isn’t worth the risk. He’s a much safer bet in the late 1st or even 2nd round.
Videos:
2011 vs Clemson
2011 vs Miami
2010 vs Tennessee (bowl game)
2010 vs Virginia Tech