Ndamukong Suh Scouting Report

Even as a freshman it was becoming clear that Ndamukong Suh would turn into a great defensive tackle. He earned freshman all-conference accolades as a redshirt freshman, despite not even starting a game. He stepped into a starting role as a sophomore and totaled 34 tackles. As an upperclassman in 2008, Suh became the first defensive lineman since 1976 to lead the team in tackles. He added 7.5 sacks and 19.0 tackles-for-loss during that season. Heading into 2009 there was little doubt who would anchor the Nebraska defense; Suh has not disappointed. Through six games he is leading the team with 36 tackles and 9.0 tackles-for-loss. More important than the numbers is the fact that Suh is a game changer. The opposing offense has to keep an eye on him on every play or Suh will make them pay. Suh is separating himself from the rest of the defensive tackles and, at this point, should be the first one taken in the 2010 NFL Draft. Suh is dominating so much that he could even turn into the first overall pick. Of course, that will depend on who has the first pick and what that team needs, but Suh is certainly one of a handful of players who warrant first overall selection consideration. 1/19 Update: After one of the most dominating seasons by a defensive tackle in the history of college football, there is little doubt that Suh is the best player in this draft class on either side of the ball. Even casual fans became aware of the supremacy of the Heisman Trophy finalist after he nearly led the Cornhuskers to victory over Texas in the Big 12 Championship game and shutdown the Arizona offense in the Holiday Bowl. If St. Louis does not take him with the first pick, they may regret it for the next decade. 4/7 Update: However, despite all the talent, defensive tackles are not considered a value position. And while Suh has done nothing to change anybody's mind regarding his ability to dominate the line, he could fall a couple spots in the draft because quarterbacks and offensive tackles are more valuable positions. In the worst case scenario, St. Louis takes a quarterback and the Lions take an offensive tackle and Suh goes third to Tampa Bay.