Detroit Lions DT Haloti Ngata: Ndamukong Suh and I are 'totally different players'
All offseason, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has been talked about as the team's replacement for Ndamukong Suh, who signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent this spring. Although Ngata and Suh both play the same position—defensive tackle—it's not as simple as plug-and-play, Ngata told Jenny Vrentas of The MMQB in a recent interview.
"That’s what people are just going to say," Ngata said about being perceived as Suh's replacement, via The MMQB. "Going from one great player to another, people are automatically just going to say it. For me, I just think we’re totally different players. We’ve always been. He’s made Pro Bowls, and I have, too. Hopefully I can continue to help this team win."
Suh was an athletic pass-rusher though five seasons in Detroit. The Lions are still evaluating Ngata's ability, so the tackle was reluctant to answer in the affirmative when Vrentas asked him if he'll be used in a similar way.
"They’re going to see how I play," Ngata told The MMQB. "We’re definitely just different body types. I weigh a little bit more than he does, and so we’re just going to have to roll with whatever happens in the season."
Ngata and Suh are both 6-foot-4, but Ngata has upwards of 30 pounds on Suh's 305-pound frame. Ngata, a 31-year-old acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens this spring, is four years older than Suh. Both players are former first-round draft picks.
(h/t The MMQB)
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Paul Sancya
