FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Quinton Coples is moving to outside linebacker for the New York Jets after a solid rookie season at defensive end.
The team’s first-round draft pick last year out of North Carolina confirmed the position switch Thursday during the Jets’ first open locker room media session since last season. Coples led New York with 5 1/2 sacks while playing defensive end and defensive tackle as a rookie.
Coples played at 290 pounds last year and says he will be between 280 and 285 this season — still a bit bulky for an outside linebacker whose main job is getting to opposing quarterbacks. He says playing outside linebacker will benefit him and he’s looking “to go out and make a lot more plays than I did last year.”
