The New York Jets have heavily invested in their defensive line in recent years, using the NFL draft as a means to get younger and more dynamic on the line.
Muhammad Wilkerson, Quinton Coples and Sheldon Richardson all have been first-round picks since 2011. Wilkerson is emerging as a star, and Coples led the team in sacks as a rookie. Richardson -- the 13th overall pick in April's draft -- has the potential to be a disruptive force in the middle.
Coples confidently spoke about the group at training camp Monday, saying "the sky's the limit" for the line.
When asked what line the Jets try to emulate, Coples smiled and replied, "Us."
"We're not trying to be nobody but us besides us," Coples said, via Newsday. "No disrespect or discredit to any defensive front out there, we want to be the best and make our own name."
"Why am I so confident? Why wouldn't I be?" he added. "I see what we have, I see the talent that we have, and at the end of the day, with the coaches that we have, the sky's the limit."
Coach Rex Ryan didn't bite when asked about Coples' comments.
"We've got a long road before we can say that," Ryan said, according to the New York Post. "How about we play a couple of games? But they are certainly a talented group. There's no doubt about it. You want your guys to have that type of confidence.
"Could it be the best? If they keep working like that, I certainly hope so."
Jets camp has been known for bluster in past years, but there's true reason for optimism up front. With Darrelle Revis now a historical footnote, the defense's strength shifts to the trenches.
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