NFL: 5 Players Who Could Have A Sophomore Slump

2. Quinton Coples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjVXEpBXvI0 Quinton Coples had a pretty good rookie season playing defensive end at in a 3-4 defense. Once considered a top 5 pick in the 2012 draft, Coples slipped to the Jets at number 16. Coples has the ideal size for his position and seemed like the perfect fit for him. He ended his rookie season with 30 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Those are solid numbers for a 3-4 rookie defensive end. Rex Ryan was extremely happy with his production and seemed like he had a great defensive lineman for the next 10 years. Well recently there has been some buzz around the Jets' facilities about Coples€™ work ethic. According to ProFootballTalk.com, Rex Ryan said, €œIf Quinton doesn't do a better job in the weight room he might have to, . . . he€™s got to compete like anybody else for a job.€ For a head coach to call out one of his players like that means trouble. I know we're talking about Rex Ryan here, but if a professional football player slacks off in the weight room what do you think he'll be doing when training camp comes? Yeah, Coples had a good rookie season, but it seems like that all went to his head and maybe he think he doesn't need to improve his game that much. Well I see a rude awakening for Coples this season if he doesn't pick it up. Another reason why there is a strong possibility of him having a sophomore slump is because he will be moving to outside linebacker. I don't know why the Jets are making this move. They have a very solid DE in Coples, but they feel like the 6'6 290 lbs. defensive lineman will be better standing up and rushing the passer? I know that they just grabbed Sheldon Richardson in the draft, but why wouldn't they have just drafted a guy like Jarvis Jones or Bjoren Werner and keep Coples at DE? Don't get me wrong, I like Sheldon Richardson, but I don't see Coples getting to the quarterback standing up. I just think Coples is better suited at DE then OLB.