Quinton Coples, NFL Draft 2012: UNC DE Is Draft's Top Five-Technique

It seems as if, every year, NFL teams have more of a need for pass rushers, while they have less of a need for players like Quinton Coples. The North Carolina Tar Heels defensive end wasn't quite as productive in his senior season as he was in his junior season, but still put up a respectable 7.5 sacks. He should be the top five-technique defensive end in the draft class.

Mocking the Draft thinks he could rise up into the top ten, but isn't counting on him making that big of a push up draft boards.

Coples is getting a ton of attention from draft analysts as many are pegging him as a potential top 10 selection. There is no doubting Coples potential as he shows the ability to be a complete player. The NFL puts a lot of weight in the ability to create pressure which is an ability Coples possesses.

The first thing about Coples that stood out was his ability to control people with his hands. He does a great job of exploding into the line and creating space for himself. Coples routinely got inside hand placement and easily disengaged. His strong leg drive helped him get a strong push into the backfield which is his main pass rushing technique. Coples has an excellent short area burst that allows him to close on the football.

On their draft rankings, Mocking The Draft currently has Coples at 16th. He's almost certain to be a first round pick, but how high he can go might depend on whether teams see him as a speed rusher of a five-technique, and who has a need for a five-technique.

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