NFL Draft / Ndamukong Suh VS Gerald McCoy

Much of the talk for 2010 NFL Draft is centered around the two big defensive tackles that are considered top 5 picks; Ndamukong Suh, and Gerald McCoy. What are the pluses and minuses of each one, and which one will make the better pro. In this post we will examine each of these prospects and their strengths and liabilities.

When I watch tape on Suh I am left with the impression of one former player, Reggie White. Suh is bigger than Reggie was, but he is just as quick, and disruptive as Reggie. Suh has the strength to throw around offensive linemen as if they were rag dolls, and he is almost unblockable. This guy looks like King Kong in shoulder pads, and has the demeanor of a woman scorned. I can see Suh being able to play, and dominate any position on a four man line. I also believe Suh can dominate as defensive end on a three man line. Suh is big enough and quick enough that he can clog the middle of the line and be a run stopper in the 4-3. He is also strong enough to push offensive tackles into opposing quarterbacks as a power end in the 4-3. As a 3-4 defensive end Suh is perfect for stopping the run, and generating a pass rush. I believe Suh can play any position on the defensive line with the exception of a 3-4 nose tackle. It is not so much that he couldn't play nose in the 3-4, but that much of his talent would be wasted using him just to clog up the middle of the line.

When I watch tape on Gerald McCoy, I am impressed with his quick first step, and his ability to take on double teams and still be effective. I believe McCoy can dominate as a defensive tackle in the 4-3, and as a nose tackle in the 3-4. His strength allows him to clog the middle against the run, and his quickness off the ball allows him to pressure the quarterback up the middle. At 6'4" he will also make it difficult for many qb's to throw over him without it getting slapped back in their face.

In conclusion, I believe both of these players will dominate in the pros. Suh gives a team more flexibility on how they can use him along the defensive line, but McCoy is your more prototypical nose tackle if your team is playing the 3-4. Both of these players should be off the draft board by pick five.