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Rookies Star in OTAs

05/31/2012 11:09 PM ET

Rookie defensive end Quinton Coples runs a drill at Jets practice. (AP)

Cimini says the top two picks the Jets made in April's Draft stood out today in OTAs:

"Stephen Hill continues to impress. We know he's big and we know he's fast, but he also demonstrated the ability the beat jams at the line of scrimmage. A lot of rookies struggle with that aspect of the job. Actually, Rex Ryan candidly admitted he expected Hill to have trouble with press coverage, but the second-round pick has surprised him. Obviously, these aren't full-contact practices, so he isn't getting the full brunt of life as an NFL receiver, but Hill has met the early challenges. He beat CB Kyle Wilson on a 50-yard bomb and he caught a quick-out on CB Darrelle Revis during the two-minute drill.

No. 1 pick Quinton Coples, working with the starting unit, had a productive day. He "sacked" Sanchez and also batted down a pass at the line. Said Ryan: "Coples looks like he's killing it pretty good." This was a boom-or-bust pick for the Jets. So far, it's a lot closer to boom than bust."

None of this is terribly meaningful. These are not really simulating game situations. It is still good to hear that these guys are off to a good start. It is especially encouraging to hear somebody with questions about how ready he is to play like Hill have success against some really good competition.

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