• March 28, 2024

What If Birds Have The Choice Of Quinton Coples Or Dontari Poe?

Would the Eagles draft North Carolina’s Quinton Coples if he’s sitting there at 15? What if he’s sitting there along with Memphis’ NFL Combine phenom, Dontari Poe?  They need the defensive tackle but can you go wrong with a potentially dominating defensive end like Coples.

They are already pretty well stocked at the defensive end position with Trent Cole and Jason Babin.  But I have to add the caveat that Coples recorded 10 sacks from the defensive tackle position in 2010.  Remember how the New York Giants have made a habit of stockpiling marquee defensive end talents and it’s helped them win two Super Bowls.   The Giants thinking has been that you can’t get too many pass rushing defensive ends.

Coples seems to falling in the minds of a number of NFL experts. Again remember what the Giants did with Justin Tuck in their previous win over Patriots in the Super Bowl.

NFL Network‘s Mike Mayock is very down on Coples right now.  ESPN’s Todd McShay  says there were times in game when Coples “appeared to have a union deal”.  I can understand some of his questions about Coples, but how could you be down on Coples and not petrified at Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe.

Poe could be there at 15 when the Birds pick just like Coples, but I don’t want them to touch him with a ten-foot pole.

Coples was more productive in college than Poe, who came out of no where to become a star at this year’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Poe had a total of 33 tackles in the 2011 season with eight tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble.  In the 2011 season, Coples had a total of 55 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss.  Add to that 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, along with too many quarterback hurries to mention.

“To me, the bust potential is high, and the earlier you take him the more risk there is inherent in that,” Mayock said. “So, for me, Quinton Coples is not even a draftable player.”

Both of these guys have franchise type player potential, but they’re both capable of taking plays off.  Again, if you’re wary of Coples, how could you not be more wary of Poe.

I would rather have Coples rushing the passer on third down from the defensive tackle position as compared to Poe.  Coples has exceptional arm length and quickness at 6’5″ 285 pounds, which would cause nightmares for offensive guards.

To make it plain, I like Coples over Poe.

GCOBB

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vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
April 13, 2012 10:16 am

Coples

Then option of using 2 seconds and Asante to move back up to grab another DT like Brokers, or even Still.

Hopefully won’t have to use 2nds to move up. Use the second second for a CB or LB.

Get out of first 2 rounds with DL, DT, CB or LB….$$$.

Then tIme for QB.

paulman
paulman
April 13, 2012 10:21 am

Not even close between these 2 players, but I don’t believe either one will have a productive career in the NFL.. If you want a pass-rusher, then W Mercilis or V Jones are more of a complete players and mature than Coples who has some maturity,work-ethic questions which is why he’s falling..another DE on the rise is Syracuses’s Charles Jones who is a complete DE and has a lot of upside

paulman
paulman
April 13, 2012 10:30 am

I am going on record again about staying away from Poe, Brockers and Still.. I have liked Fletcher Cox since early January when many were not familiar with him, unfortunately, he’s impressed so many who have taken a closer look at his production that Cox has now risen up the Draft Boards that he will be gone by the 15th spot.. Coples,Poe,Still are all dropping while players liker Mercilus,Curry,Charles Jones and Dt’s Kendall Reyes & Derek Wolfe are rising

greenfan
greenfan
April 13, 2012 10:36 am

Pman….I understand that in many mocks Still is dropping, but when the season ended most had him rated #1 or at least #2 defensive lineman….I wouldn’t put him in the Poe catagory, he produced on the field his entire career. Past injuries could be a concern, but word from the combine was that he checked out medically. I would take Still if he was there at #15, even over Cox, and I have been hoping the would draft Fletcher Cox for a while now.

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
April 13, 2012 10:44 am

Like ive been saying for a awhile now, the eagles are tageting Coples. I also stated that Coples can play both DT and DE and paul tried to shoot that down. The eagles love versatility. They like players that can play multiple positions, not one dimensional guys. If Coples is there (should be) they will take him, its between him and Cox. Cox too is very versatile. They lined him up all over the line in college, DE and DT. Hes a force. But my favorite in Coples. And thats over all the other DL in the draft.

gmcliff
gmcliff
April 13, 2012 11:11 am

Paul, I think you mean Chandler Jones….GOOD PLAYER!! Will be there in the second round, along with Vinny Curry, Bobby Wagner, and Kelechi Osemele. It would not be a bad idea to move down for more picks.

I wouldn’t mind Coples, but I would take Poe with the pick I get once I’ve moved down enough to get the picks I need to get the players I want in the second, and third rounds.

I don’t think Poe will be a bust. Sometimes we are so critical that we outsmart ourselves. He is not just a combine warrior. He would flourish under Jim Wasburn like Haynesworth did. If memory serves me correct Haynesworth didn’t have the production in college either. He was more productive as a pro. Sometimes you have to appreciate the possible potential.

lionsden
lionsden
April 13, 2012 11:13 am

Again… I think Poe is the best choice. He has greater intangibles than Coples. Until a player gets into the league and plays no one can predict what he will do at the NFL level. Poe is perfect for what the Eagles need in the wide 9 that being a space eating run stopper. At worst he’s a big, strong, athletic, space eater. At best he’s a big, strong, athletic, space eater that gets deep penetration into the backfield and disrupts the opponents running gaming.

I have a feeling Poe is going to be #15 (or whatever number the Eagles use for their first pick) if he’s available.

2012 NFL Draft: Eagles Host Dontari Poe, Michael Floyd & Janoris Jenkins:

philly dot sbnation dot com/philadelphia-eagles/2012/4/13/2945412/2012-nfl-draft-eagles-host-dontari-poe-michael-floyd-janoris-jenkins

I want Poe.

navyeaglefan
navyeaglefan
April 13, 2012 11:25 am

Now what if Kuelchy, Couples and Poe are all there? I think you go LB/DE before DT – lots of good DTs in this draft – you have Jenkins, PAtterson Landri and Dixon (with Thorton) Think DE and LB more pressing –

Another topic is the S – but that is another blog – Barrons would be the only guy I would consider int he first 2 rounds – but much rather have a vet

gmcliff
gmcliff
April 13, 2012 11:27 am

There have bee countless draft prospects who have been productive, and have become bust in the pros, although the so-called experts said they were can’t miss. Charles Rogers, Braylon Edwards, Blair Thomas, Steve Entman, Jimmy Kennedy, Glenn Dorsey, Tony Manderich, not to mention all the QB’s Jamarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, Rick Miere, Andre Ware, Matt Lineart, etc….all productive in college, and bust in the pros. I’m not worried about Coples or Poe.

gmcliff
gmcliff
April 13, 2012 11:34 am

I pass on Kuechly if he is there or not.there are better cover,sstronger, faster OLB’s in the 2nd, and 3rd rounds. The players are generally in the 2nd 3rd, and 4th rounds. You also can find gems – depending on how good your scout team is- in the 5th – 6th round. The only are the EAGLES are generally effective is with undrafted free agents.

DCar
DCar
April 13, 2012 11:36 am

Coples, all of the way! NO DOUBT! He has way too much raw talent & upside to pass on, & he played for a good pro-ready college program. He was rated top 5-7 in the beginning of the year, now all of the SO-called pro-analysts, have him dropping, for no particular reason. I CAN’T see him getting past 10, especially not 15. No way.
Paul, Mercilus is going to be a tweener, just like Curry, McClellan, Ingram, Branch & Jones. We can’t afford to be wasting 1st round picks, on anymore under-sized fastballs. We have an extra 2nd to get one of them. Coples, Cox, Brockers, & Worthy, are all versatile to play both DE/ DT here & are worthy of 15. We can also get Still, Thompson, Reyes & Martin in the 2nd, if we got Coples. Not to mention Derek Wolfe, who is rising can be had in 3rd. Can you imagine, if these players keep falling & we wind up with Coples, Still &
McClellan/ Wagner/ David? I would have a joygasm 8X

gmcliff
gmcliff
April 13, 2012 11:36 am

area the Eagles are strong at is undrafted free agents….sorry

gmcliff
gmcliff
April 13, 2012 11:38 am

LOL!!!! DCar!! What is a joygasm?!!!!?!!

gmcliff
gmcliff
April 13, 2012 11:45 am

But that scenario is possible DCar. They realistically could end up with Coples, and Poe if they traded to get another 1st rounder. Then in the second round got Vinny Curry, Brandon Thompson, and Bobby Wagner, and the third round get Nigel Bradham, and Joe Adams for KR,PR duties.

DCar
DCar
April 13, 2012 11:56 am

gm, a joygasm means I’d be so happy, that I wouldn’t need my old lady that night 😉 LOL!
In all seriousness, they better not let us down again, with any freaking head scratchers. This draft is TOO deep at DE, DT, & LB for them to not at least get one of each, & still add a QB like Cousins & a return man like Wylie/ Streeter/ etc.

gmcliff
gmcliff
April 13, 2012 12:01 pm

DCar you are a wild dude man!!!!!!

We’ll see, You know they might take David DeCastro, who would be a good fit , but we need tt take care of DT, DE, OLB, and S first. But you know what they like to do. Nothing surprises me with them.

DCar
DCar
April 13, 2012 12:01 pm

Joe Adams? Not bad at all. Good call. This draft is going to be fun. I HOPE!!!

gmcliff
gmcliff
April 13, 2012 12:38 pm

There are some players in this draft, and deep into it. I wish they would let GMCliff coordinate the draft just once. We would be contending for the Superbowl for the next 10 years.

jott1972
jott1972
April 13, 2012 12:42 pm

Prepare for the let down….

with the 15th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select DT Michael Brockers, LSU

HATE THE PICK!

SONGSRME2
SONGSRME2
April 13, 2012 12:48 pm

I’m looking into this years high motor college player that projects specifically in a 3-4 alignment. That’s Andy’s pick.

If he want 3-4 linebackers …then why not switch to a 3-4?

OH!

I’m also looking into a 28 year old skiers who moonlights as a paramedic to get by.

Andy loves how these guys are wired!

larrwd
larrwd
April 13, 2012 12:50 pm

they better not take that big fat slow weak brockers….

Frank22
Frank22
April 13, 2012 1:09 pm

I still prefer Fletcher Cox…with that being said and in all likelyhood him being off the board. I’d go with Coples. I like the idea of moving him to the inside on passing downs. this is something I think Reid likes also.

Frank22
Frank22
April 13, 2012 1:10 pm

jott- i have a funny feeling brockers will be the pick also.

jbird
jbird
April 13, 2012 1:38 pm

I am so used to disappointment. The only draft I was ever psyched about was ’09 with Maclin and Shady. Remember everyone and their mother wanted Knowshon Moreno? Hows that working out in Denver? People dumped all over Shady stating that he was a jitterbug that danced instead of hitting the hole, that he was soft and went down on first contact and a chronic fumbler. How did that work out? I was skeptical after hearing all that myself. Then I was totally stoked about Maclin who many said was the best WR in the draft. And it turns out he is not even a number one WR, just a solid number two. Good for about 65-70 catches at 14 yards a catch and eight or so TDs. He is under rated in the RZ but other than that he is a disappointment. Unless he breaks out this year, he is a borderline bust for what he was projected to be. Still a nice player but not worth a 19th pick and certainly not the best WR in that draft.

jbird
jbird
April 13, 2012 1:40 pm

I hate Brockers as well. Another stiff that people love because he is an SEC player. He will be a bigger Mike Patterson at the next level. Solid but unspectacular. He will make us think Corey Simon was a great pick by comparrison

larrwd
larrwd
April 13, 2012 2:14 pm

@ jbrid shady did dance around without hitting the whole.. but he was drafted near home and was obsessed with being the best.. and then when the eagles drafted dion lewis it pushed him even harder.. because dion lewis was better than shady in college.. i liked that draft too.. the desean jackson pick had me thinking wow.. are things changing.. the finally get young weapons maclin jackson shady celek and then they trade away mcnabb and start all over..

navyeaglefan
navyeaglefan
April 13, 2012 2:32 pm

Frank – it was actually JJ and Mcderm that liked to use four DEs on passing downs.. Washburn to the best of my knwoledge and memory did not do that – not to say that he couldn’t…

Shady does dance and jitter – still does – Lewis is the striaght ahead guy – we still love Shady – you only hate when he dances when they get him – when he makes three guys miss he is awesome –

sullybleedsgreen
sullybleedsgreen
April 13, 2012 2:41 pm

I heard the comments from Mayock about Coples. Those were some pretty strong words for a guy who has has the label of top10 talent all offseason. I have continually heard others say how good he is, how talented he is. I listen to Movin the Chains on sirius NFL radio and have heard how Pat Kirwin and T – Rock both thought this guy was the best football player on the field at the senior bowl this Febuary. Some people have different opinions on the same player… With all this said I hope the Eagles draft Fletcher Cox but if he is gone I’d rather them take Coples than Poe. I am a big fan of all 3 and wouldn’t be diappointed at all with any of them but I think the Eagles are leaning towards DB in the 1st rd of the draft. They have a lot of money locked up in the defensive end position and were very productive there last season. They were tied with the Vikings for the League lead in sacks (50). Asante will probably be a draft day trade and D R C and Hanson are both in the last year of their contracts. Their really weren’t any positive signs with Curtis Marsh or Jaiquawn Jarrett last year and Nate Allen hasn’t lived up to 5th pick of the 2nd rd yet.

Frank22
Frank22
April 13, 2012 2:42 pm

Navy I didnt see much of that this year by the eagles. I also dont think they had the personel. It just seems more like a hunch. you would think it would be easier in the wide 9? since they always attacking.

sullybleedsgreen
sullybleedsgreen
April 13, 2012 2:47 pm

If the Eagles really are trying to win now then they need to go out and get the players to go win now! Mark Barron, Dre KirkPatrick & Stephon Gilmore would help them out more Immediatly. There will still be pass rush help available in the 2nd and 3rd rd. Vinny Curry and Cam Johnson are 2 names that come to mind that will be available in the 2nd rd.

Birdzflyinhigh
Birdzflyinhigh
April 13, 2012 3:28 pm

i hope these two guys aren’t the best on the board come pick 15 (pending the eagles dont move up to take tannehill) but if i had to choose i would take poe. You can argue against the level of competition faced for Poe, but its not like the ACC is very special, FSU was really the only good team in the conference this year, and they weren’t anything special. Even if poe is just a “workout warrior” his strength could not be overlooked by opposing olines which will allow jenkins to penetrate and collapse the pocket as he does so well and you still have the heat seeking missiles of cole and babin closing in quick, as for the run d, i dont see either making an impact right away but its fair to say poe would have more of one…maybe wash can get the most out of coples, but for immediate improvement of the overall line, poe is the better fit

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
April 13, 2012 3:35 pm

GMCliff,

I actually wouldn’t mind the Eagles taking a shot at Poe now that I think about it. However, Id really like to see them get kuechly first. And then possibly move back in to get Poe. Kuechly is tackling machine, and would compliment DeMeco sooo nicely. The guy is going to be a stud in the NFL and is exactly who we need. How many tackles did we miss 3-5 yards after the LOS? ( Asante. Nnamdi, our safeties and LBs)

Even though my gut and eyes tell me Still might be better, you make a good point about Washburn and Haynesworth flourishing. Poe could do the same. Also, Poe is an athletic 350 lber which is hard to find. We especially need a big guy in there to at the very least, make teams run in a different direction.

gmcliff
gmcliff
April 13, 2012 3:53 pm

Respect you opinion Mui. I am one that has never been high on Kuechly. He one of those productive college players that will be overmatched in the NFL. I am on record that he will be a flop in the pros. I see the linebacking form of Mike Mamula. I haven’t changed my stance all off-season.

I’d rather they Draft Coples first, then moveback into the first round to draft Poe, and focus on drafting Vinny Curry, Bobby Wagner, Bobbie Massie, and Kelechi Osemele in the second, and Trumaine Johnson, Nigel Bradham, and Sean Spence who I would move to SS, in the third round.

These players shore up our LB’s, OL, CB, DE, and if we can another veteran DT will shore up that position. I want Haynesworth, or Shawn Rogers.

navyeaglefan
navyeaglefan
April 13, 2012 4:04 pm

Mu and GM – Saw a mock that had Kuelchy in first Curry in Second – haven’t seen any that have us getting couples – but getting couples and wagner would be alright

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
April 13, 2012 4:06 pm

If we are going to run the Wide 9, we need to get some LBs in here that can play. To me Ronell Lewis is a 3-4 rush LB, I have no clue why Mcshay is mocking him to us. I dont like Bobby Wagner much nor do I like the kid for NC. Those guys would be similar to Chaney, who despite being one of the nicest and most humble athletes I’ve ever met, is a situational LB at best.

TriangleMark
TriangleMark
April 13, 2012 4:45 pm

Coples.

Poe is the Mike Mamula of this years DL class.

gmcliff
gmcliff
April 13, 2012 5:21 pm

Bobby Wagner, is a smart strong, fast, smart linebacker that could not participate at the combine because of pnumonia. He did complete testing at his pro day where he ran both a 4.45, and 4.46 40, and benched 225 28 times. He is more athletic, and just as instinctful as people claim Kuechly is, because he too played MLB in college, but he translates more to the outside in the NFL. He is not Jamar Chaney. On the outside, Wagner will be the better pro. Kuechly is way over-hyped, but will drafted high by Carolina, Kansas City, or Buffalo, which I’m glad about , so the Eagles won’t even be tempted, which I don’t think they will be

schiller
schiller
April 13, 2012 5:37 pm

gm – You express your opinions as if they’re fact. That bothers me – comes off as arrogance in my book. But hey, we shall see.

Me? I like both Wagner and Keuchly.

But like I said, we shall see.

sullybleedsgreen
sullybleedsgreen
April 13, 2012 6:01 pm

I think Wagner could be one of the sleepers of the draft this year. He will probably go in the 2nd rd but he could step right in and play right away. He might be more of a middle linebacker than a guy on the outside but would be an instant upgrade on this roster over everyone but Ryan. I d rather see the Eagles draft a De lineman in the 1st and take Wagner in the 2nd than the Eagles taking Kuechly and then going De Line…

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
April 13, 2012 6:09 pm

Initially Wagner wouldn’t even be as good as Chaney. I believe Wagner will be a better player in the pros that Chaney obviously, and I think the guy can play. Kuechly is obviously a much better prospect. I also thought Kuechly was overhyped initially. However, if you go back and look at the tape, it is clear that he is not overrated one bit. Kuechly is the 9th or 10th best player in this draft.

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
April 13, 2012 6:10 pm

But then again, I wouldnt be upset with Wagner, as long as we got he right guy in the first round.

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
April 13, 2012 6:12 pm

If they want Kuechly, they’ll have to move up.

Sully, I guess you’d also like to see another 8-8 season right? Since that would be the case if your plan came to fruition. This team needs LBs, DT, and probably an OT before we think about drafting DE.

larrwd
larrwd
April 13, 2012 7:13 pm

kuechly is alittle too small

NuGreembol
NuGreembol
April 13, 2012 7:24 pm

I’m going with Quentin because not only is he the better player between the two but more so because I am Terrified of RG3 for the next 10years. Poe won’t help us against that kind of speed we can get another large DT in the draft but that big fast DE/DT hybrid is hard to find. Plus I think he us game ready. We can’t harp on the past and say we can’t take another DE bc of Grahm and babin just getting here. This dude can play inside on 3rd down properly not like how Brandon does and get leaned on and hurt. I want another LB too I’m not as concerned about the Saftey’s. Most of that was that bum Page early on.

pdiddy
pdiddy
April 13, 2012 7:24 pm

Coples no doubt then get stills in the second wow then keenan robinson in the third helluva draft.

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
April 13, 2012 7:31 pm

RG3 is a glorified Jacory Harris. Kuechly is bigger than Wagner

pdiddy
pdiddy
April 13, 2012 7:31 pm

I believe that todd bowles will get a lot out of coleman and allen this year, that’s just my feelings. What do you guys think, I think coleman can play just a little raw. He went to a big time school and showed some potential.

pdiddy
pdiddy
April 13, 2012 7:35 pm

dam my bad wrong article for my previous post I started drinking early tonight Lol.

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
April 13, 2012 7:35 pm

The harder question would have been is what if Quinton Coples and Fletcher Cox were still on the board what would the eagles do? Thats the question. These guys were both great players in college and both have the ability to play DE and DT.. Who do you pick? Its a tough decision

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
April 13, 2012 7:38 pm

I still would go Coples because i feel that he would be more of a force at DE than Cox would be, but again Coples still can rush from the DT position causing havok in the process. Id go Coples