Rex Ryan: Suh has Hall-like qualities

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- New York Jets coach Rex Ryan sees Ndamukong Suh as an updated version of a Hall of Fame defensive tackle.

"Suh is probably the version now of Warren Sapp," Ryan said on a conference call with Detroit media Wednesday. "He's probably as close to Warren Sapp as I've seen."

Sapp, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, played 198 career games and had 96.5 total sacks. Since his retirement, he has been critical of Suh throughout the player's five-year career with the Lions.

At the Super Bowl last season, Sapp said he doesn't think Suh wants to learn and that he hasn't seen him develop. It was merely another jab by the former defensive tackle at Suh.

Suh is widely considered the best defensive tackle in the NFL right now as he enters the final season of his rookie contract.

"[Sapp's] a Hall of Famer. Again, it doesn't get much higher than that," Ryan said. "This kid [Suh] is fun to watch. He's got an excellent motor, and he's got skills. He has unusual balance. He's not off his feet, he's able to play with power, he's able to play with finesse, and it's just a rare combination.

"He's a guy that's obviously a difference-maker."

Suh said he doesn't have a relationship with Sapp, having never talked with him. But Suh did say he has spoken with Mean Joe Greene in the past and learned from him about how to be dominant in the NFL and also about how to handle himself.

Suh respects Sapp's game, though.

"Dominant player," Suh said. "Obviously did a great job. Kind of revolutionized the 3-technique, as you kind of say. But just a solid player."