2012 NFL Draft: Why 'Outstanding Athlete' Coples Is Big First Round Risk

North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples is an impressive physical specimen at 6'6", 284 pounds, and Coples's tantalizing blend of size and speed has many scouts drooling and will likely land the Tar Heels standout among the top 10 picks in April's NFL draft.

However, Coples wasn't able to translate those physical gifts into on-field success in Chapel Hill in 2011, and questions about his work ethic, motor and technique combine to make him one of the riskier bets among defensive end prospects in the 2012 NFL draft.

Bryan Broaddus of ESPN Dallas, who worked as a scout with Bill Parcells and the Dallas Cowboys, recently viewed tape of three of Coples's games, and Broaddus came away very impressed with some of the physical tools that Coples displayed on that video.

"

If you were to physically draw up with a 3-4 base end would look like, he would be your model. When I worked for Bill Parcells and we were switching from the 4-3 to the 3-4, this was the perfect height and weight that he wanted at end.

Showed the ability to dip his shoulder and get around the corner. He has a burst to threaten the edge. Can really put some pressure on the tackle when rushing. Was very impressive with the way he ran in space. This guy is an outstanding athlete.

"

However, for all of Coples's considerable talents, questions about his work ethic and motor have dogged him since his sack production dipped from 10 in 2010 to 7.5 in 2011, and Coples tried to address the perception that he took some plays off during his senior season in a recent interview with the Charlotte News-Observer.

"

“It doesn’t get to me at all,” Coples said of concerns about his effort level. “It’s pretty much the only question they have. Anything outside of that, they really don’t have anything to ask. I don’t have any regrets with what happened. I just take it for what it is and move forward.”

Coples said the shift from the left side of the line to the right affected his productivity, and talked at the combine about how his long strides could make it appear he is not moving fast.

But as he watched video from his senior season with teams at the combine, Coples conceded there were times last fall when the play was away from him he did not go as hard as he could.

“There’s definitely those times that even if I did hustle, it’s hard and I had no chance of making the play,” Coples said. “It’s all about the opportunity. They wanted to see that. And I didn’t do that (last) year. That’s one of the main focuses that I’m going to continue to do going forward.”

"

Coples likely solidified his status as a top 10 pick with a strong showing at North Carolina's pro day, and it's very possible that the athletic youngster will become a disruptive force in the National Football League for years to come,

However, until Coples takes the field in the NFL, the questions about his get up and go will continue to hound him, and the team taking Coples in the first round of April's draft will be hoping desperately that he's more like fellow Tar Heels alum Julius Peppers (who has faced accusations of taking plays off in the past) and less like Derrick Harvey (who seemed to take just about every play off as a pro).

Follow @IDPManor