FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Rex Ryan says he held Quinton Coples out of 11-on-11 team drills because the team, already impressed with the first-round draft pick, wanted to evaluate other defensive linemen.
Ryan says Saturday that the move was in no way injury- or discipline-related, just that the Jets wanted to give other players an opportunity during the rookie minicamp.
Coples was impressive in his first practice Friday as Ryan raved that he had “about six” sacks. The 16th overall pick in last week’s draft says he stood on the sideline during drills because it was “a coach’s decision.”
Coples said Friday that he had a good grasp of the defensive playbook. When told, Ryan said: “I like his confidence. The great thing is we will hold him to it now.”
