New York Jets Quinton Coples believes he’ll have a ‘big year’

New York Jets outside linebacker Quinton Coples has drawn plenty of criticism for not playing up to his potential, but the key with young pass rushers is patience. Coples is developing mentally and physically, and he shed some weight to make himself even faster off the edge. That should help, and it could be a key ingredient and, in fact, a catalyst for a breakout third year in this league. He and New England Patriots DE Chandler Jones were first-round picks in the same draft class, and both have the raw tools to be two of the league’s best pass rushers. Jones has enjoyed a more successful start to his career, but Coples has just as much talent. In fact, when they were rookies, Coples showed up better as a pass rusher, while Jones had a stronger year in run defense (and was better overall).

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Coples sees a breakout season on the horizon, and he stated that he believes he could be in store for a “big year”. He said, via Rich Cimini of ESPN New York, “I think it’s going to be a big year for me.”

The Jets worked out Quentin Groves and Jason Babin before settling on signing Babin, who is the bigger name, and this showed their intent to add some veteran depth at OLB. Babin isn’t pushing Coples, but he’s there to spell either the youngster or veteran Calvin Pace, who led all Jets edge rushers in sacks last year. It’s time for Coples to shine, and we’re all expecting a successful season from the UNC product.