New York Jets 2012 Draft: Quinton Coples Is a B Pick for Rex Ryan and the Jets

And with the 16th pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the New York Jets select Quinton Coples. Defensive End. North Carolina. 

To say this is a surprise is an understatement. Not only was a more proven defensive end still on the board (Melvin Ingram), Quinton Coples should not have even reached No.16.

The Chapel Hill superstar was most frequently projected within the Top 10, and only by Seattle's shocking selection of Bruce Irvin did he fall to New York. 

Rex Ryan, however, must be more than pleased.

Coples is a perfectly sized, supremely athletic and incredibly talented defensive end, who can play defensive end, defensive tackle, outside linebacker or virtually any other position. What made Coples so attractive to the Jets was his versatility.

He can line up in the 3-4, 4-3 and 46 defensive formations. With him, the Jets now have an elite edge-rusher. 

Coples does not come without red flags. His senior year tape was mediocre at best, and scouts have called his effort into question repeatedly. At the Senior Bowl, the DE did show he can play like the All-Pro talent he has the potential to be. 

The Jets needed an upgrade on their defensive line, but they definitely had needs far more important.

Outside linebacker/defensive end Melvin Ingram was still on the board, as previously stated, and OT Reilly Reiff, WR Kendall Wright and a few running backs were also available.

Still, Rex Ryan got the man he wanted. Who could ask for more?

Need: B-

Value: A+