Ndamukong Suh vs. Gerald McCoy

For the first time in a while, we do not have a consensus number in this year’s NFL Draft. It could be anyone from QB Sam Bradford to DT Ndamukong Suh. No one for certain can nail down who might go number one. The reason for that could be that the team holding the number one overall selection needs so much that everyone is in the running to be selected. The St. Louis Rams hold that selection. So what does this mean for the Detroit Lions?


The Detroit Lions hold the second overall pick. Both teams are expected to select the best defensive player in the draft. But who might that be? The experts have narrowed it down to Nebraska star DT Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma star DT Gerald McCoy. From there however, the debate rages on. Who is the better player?

First let us look at both Suh and McCoy’s stats from the last two seasons. On the surface, you might be able to say that Ndamukong Suh is better than Gerald McCoy. Looking at the last two seasons, Suh has had more tackles and sacks than McCoy. McCoy however, played against stiffer competition in the Big 12 South versus Suh playing in the Big 12 North. Also remember, Suh did have that dominating performance in the Big 12 Championship game against a great team, the Texas Longhorns. Evaluating which player to choose goes deeper than looking at one performance or who played against stiffer competition. You have to look at the non stat attributes of each player. Does he have leadership skills or what type of person is he? With these two defensive tackles being so close in talent and possibly going 1-2 in the draft, the choice won’t solely be on the stats but it will also be on who fits the team system better. If the team wants a run stuffer then they should grab draft Ndamukong Suh. But if they want a DT that can go after the quarterback better, then they should take Gerald McCoy. As Lion fans, we always believe that we get the leftover scraps while the team ahead of us gets the gold. We have to believe that this year will be different because Suh and McCoy are just so close in talent.

Here’s a link to a website that lists many of McCoy and Suh’s attributes.