Oakland Raiders: Pros and Cons of Signing Ndamukong Suh
By Jamie Faue
Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) watches from the sidelines during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Detroit won 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
There have been rumors that Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Justin Tuck is trying to lure Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to Oakland. Suh is the type of player the Raiders need to push them to a higher level defensively. However, it also likely that the Raiders could draft the young and promising defensive tackle, Leonard Williams, out of USC.
But why take your chances with a rookie, when there is an already well established lineman in free agency?
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Suh has proven to fans around the league that he can defend efficiently, by providing intense quarterback pressure and getting sacks. Since joining the NFL in 2010, Suh has played in every regular season game for the Lions, except for 2011 when he suspended for two games due to dirty play in a game against the Green Bay Packers.
Not only has coaching and overall football production been a struggle for Oakland, fielding a fully healthy team has also been an issue. Last season, the Raiders were without linebacker Nick Roach all season and had issues with running back Darren McFadden as well.
Other injuries last season included wide receiver Rod Streater, who missed 13 games, wide receiver Denarius Moore, who missed six games, and line backer Sio Moore, who missed five games. Adding Suh to the Oakland defensive line would allow flexibility should injuries arise as much as they did last season.
Not only would Suh be able to play every game, he also brings size and experience to a young and developing Raiders team. However, Suh has been know to be a “bad boy” and a “dirty player,” which is exactly how the Raiders are perceived, but they have worked hard the last few seasons to lose that label.
With this in mind, it’s time to weigh the good with the bad.
Next: First set of pros and cons