Just How Good is Suh

The Lions first round pick in the 2010 draft was a Defensive Tackle. There were many Lions fans who wanted the Left Tackle, Russell Okung. There were some who wanted DT, Gerald McCoy over Suh. Yet for the most part, the majority of the fans had their hearts set on Ndamukong Suh and got their wish when the Detroit Lions drafted him 2nd overall. He is living up to all expectations.

In 1999, Javon Kearse came into the league and broke the all-time record for sacks by a rookie with 14.5 sacks. Kearse was a defensive end. By far and large it is expected that defensive tackles are to draw the double teams, opening up the defensive ends to get the sacks. Since 1991 (I cannot find Sack stats for prior to 1991), their have been 20 rookie players to get 10 or more sacks. Only four of them were defensive tackles, the best being 10.5 sacks.

Ndamukong Suh is currently on pace for 14.5 sacks, which would tie the all time record with Javon Kearse.

Admittedly, it is unlikely that Ndamukong Suh will keep up this pace the entire year. Sooner or later, offenses are going to keep double teaming him. He is bound to go on a streak of games where he does not get a sack. But the fact remains that the Lions arguably have the best defensive line in the NFL and Ndamukong Suh plays a very large part in that.

Right now, Suh has 27 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery and 1 touchdown. If he stopped playing today, he would still have had a decent year for a defensive tackle. Yet he is not even half way through his rookie season.