NFL

Coples eager for ‘D’ chance to move outside for Jets

Jets second-year player Quinton Coples confirmed he is moving to outside linebacker Thursday.

Coples, the team’s first-round pick in 2012, played defensive tackle and defensive end as a rookie. He led the team with 5 1/2 sacks. Now, they’re standing him up on the outside and hoping he can increase that total.

“I definitely feel like I have to go out and make a lot more plays than I did last year,” Coples said. “Being that I’ve mastered the playbook and have a year of experience under my belt, I definitely think that coming from the outside will definitely help me.”

The Jets drafted Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson in the first round of last week’s NFL Draft, making this move possible. Coples said he was told he was switching positions Monday. There was a thought the Jets might target a pass-rushing linebacker with their first-round picks, but chose cornerback Dee Milliner and Richardson instead.

Coples said he expects to play at 280-285 pounds, which is quite large for a linebacker. He played at 290 last year.

“I feel good,” Coples said of the move. “I think it’s definitely going to open up more opportunities for me to get to the quarterback and also show my athleticism and coverage.”

* Wide receiver Stephen Hill said he already feels more comfortable in his second year in the NFL.

“It’s a lot different,” he said. “Last year, you really didn’t know anything. You’re just coming in blind. Just learning a lot from how the year went last year. It really gives you a lot more of a step than other guys coming in.”

Hill had surgery on his left knee in December to repair a meniscus tear. He missed the final three games of the season due to knee problems. He said he was fully recovered by February.

“I concentrated on getting my knee right,” Hill said of his offseason. “That is all. I actually stayed up here for the offseason. I didn’t go home or anything. I just wanted to be focused so I could make sure I stay out of the training room next year.”

* Two members of the Jets were arrested and charged with marijuana possession on Monday in Morristown, N.J., and then released by the team a day later.

Defensive back Cliff Harris and linebacker Claude Davis were signed to “futures” contracts in January. On Monday, police spotted them in a smoke-filled car along with another man, according to the police. The police discovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the car. They also discovered a loaded handgun that belonged to the third man, Daniel Godrrey, who faces weapons charges and intent to distribute marijuana charges.

Harris and Davis were released after being served a summons. The team cut Harris and Davis on Tuesday afternoon.

* Running back John Griffin has taken No. 24, formerly worn by Darrelle Revis. Running back Chris Ivory has moved into Revis’ locker. Tim Tebow’s old locker is unoccupied.