Opinions were mixed about North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples heading into the NFL draft, with some saying he was a great physical specimen who was ready to step in and make an impact in the NFL immediately, and others questioning his motivation and production. After the Jets took him 16th overall, Coples said he knew all along that Jets coach Rex Ryan was one of those who liked him.
“I knew coach Rex Ryan had promised me that if we got to that pick, and I was still there, he was definitely going to pick me and I am just thankful he is a man of his word,” Coples said. “He just told me that if I was there at 16 he was going to take me. No matter what.”
Coples said he and Ryan have already developed a good rapport.
“He just said he promised he was going to take me and he definitely kept his word and he’s definitely a man of his word, he’s looking forward to me coming. He’s a good coach. He’s a good coach. He’s the best there is. I’m definitely going to work hard for him,” Coples said. “I definitely could tell he definitely had some type of feeling about me, and I’m really glad things worked out.”
Here’s Coples telling PFT’s Mike Florio that he had an inkling Ryan would take him, and explaining why North Carolina produces good NFL talent: