Grading the Detroit Lions Free Agent acquisitions

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Haloti Ngata

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Haloti Ngata (92) rushes as Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Logan Mankins (70) blocks during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Health: Ngata has kept a clean bill of health throughout his entire career. He has missed one regular season game due to injury in his career. For that it would be easy to give a perfect 5. But at 31, can his body continue to hold up?

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Grade: 4

Big Play: The former Oregon Duck is no stranger to the big play. Haloti Ngata has been known as a one of the top playmaking defensive tackles in the NFL. Ngata was tied with linebacker C.J. Mosley for a team leading 2 interceptions last season. That gives an idea of what he capable of.

Grade: 4

Dependability: The Lions can depend on Ngata to be a quality run stopper, almost has quality as Suh. As far as pass rushing Ngata is decent, but doesn’t have the speed to get to the quarterback every down. That shows through in Ngata’s low sack numbers.

Grade: 3.8

Smart Play: If last season never happened this would be an easy choice of grades. But it did, and what came with it was a NFL suspension for performance enhancing drugs. Ngata claims that this was a one time thing and it’s behind him. But it will stick in the minds of the fans and make them wonder if he really is clean.

Grade: 3

Impact: The big question is “Can Ngata make up for the loss of Ndamukong Suh?” the answer is no. At 31 Ngata can still be productive enough to help plug the hole Suh opened, but he can’t do it on his own. Still Haloti Ngata was the absolute best consolation prize the Lions could realistically afford to have after Suh’s departure. Ngata’s impact will be felt, just not like Suh’s was.

Grade: 4

Final Grade: 22.8

Next: Josh Bynes

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