2010 NFL Predictions: Ndamukong Suh Will Win Defensive ROY

In the 2010-2011 season, Ndamukong Suh will win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. 

Might as well just give it to him now.

For the past seven years, a linebacker has won the award and it's been 16 years since a defensive tackle last won it (Tim Bowens, Miami).

But, for those who have followed Suh, it will come as no surprise that he should be the man to break these trends. 

Suh has a knack for breaking down barriers.

Suh's Competition

Of the top 10 defensive players in the draft, only one can give Suh a run for his money.

Eric Berry.

Berry is an electric player who is sure to make plenty of highlight-reel plays in his first year as a Chief. Berry is also the type of guy who can change the course of a game with one play, and that's what voters will remember.

Suh's advantage is his consistency. Suh has the ability to affect every play of a game, and he's managed to do it before. 

Big 12 championship anyone? And that was against the No. 2 team in the country,  

Yeah, college dominance doesn't always equate to pro dominance. But, this year that is more likely to apply to players like Gerald McCoy and Joe Haden. 

Both could have decent years, though Haden has struggled in camp, but they are unlikely candidates for Rookie of the Year.

Rolando McClain is actually the surest thing. He will come in second in the voting, simply because this award will go to the guy who makes the most game-changing plays.

And that guy will be Suh or Berry.

Suh's Popularity

At the beginning of Suh's senior season, few people outside of Nebraska took notice of the defensive tackle.

Even after his dominance performance against Missouri in the rain, many still had not heard of him.

"I've never heard of him and I'm an average college football enthusiast," said one bleacherreport.com commenter on October 14, 2009.

By the end of his senior year, even my grandmother was telling me how nice of a guy Suh seemed to be.

It is hard not to like a guy like Suh, and considering all the awards he won last year, the press seems to love him as much as the fans. 

Hear the story about what Suh did soon after he graduated?

He gave $2.6 million to the school that had adored him so much. That's a pretty good way to cement your legacy.

If no player has a season that stands far and above the rest, then voting becomes a popularity contest.

Suh would win that popularity contest any day of the week.

Suh's Readiness

All of these guys that are drafted high have talent, there is no debating that.

In fact, Suh may not even be the most talented defensive player at his position taken in the 2010 draft.

But, what about mental readiness?

"They've got to find him first. We're going to move him around. He's smart enough to play all the positions," said defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham how Suh would avoid double teams when speaking with mlive.com.

The only thing that matters about that quote is the part about Suh being smart. Suh knows how to play the game, and that is going to impress people.

Of all the rookies, Suh should be the most grounded. He's going to find a way to make an impact, that is just the way he is.

The Lions think so highly of Suh that they are consider bringing a linebacker up to block a blocker, in order to free Suh up from potential double teams.

If that works, Suh could put up some scary numbers. Just consider the numbers he was able to put up WHILE being double teamed.

"The last two years (at Nebraska), all I've been dealing with is double teams and triple teams and teams scheming against me. It's not a big deal. It's not frustrating when those other three guys are out there making plays. It makes it all worth it.," Suh also told mlive.com

Think any of the other rookies out there are able to think that unselfishly?

Analysis

If there is still any doubt in your mind, then consider this.

ESPN's Sport Science did a little experiment with Suh.

Suh can run faster than Tony Romo. 

Suh can hit harder than Ray Lewis. In fact, he recorded the hardest hit ever on the show.

Suh had the fastest reaction time ever on the show. That includes running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks. 

Suh has the talent, and he has the mental ability.

And he will be the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Now sit back, and watch him dominate.

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