In the estimation of Warren Sapp, there is one player who can lead the Detroit Lions back to contention in the NFC.

That, of course, is defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, a regular recipient of criticism from the recently elected Hall of Famer.

Sapp, in a visit to the Detroit Tigers spring training camp, continued with his regular policy of knocking Suh.

“He has to be the catalyst,” Sapp said, according to the Detroit Free Press. “If he is playing, then everybody goes with him. You have no choice.”

But ...

“I haven’t seen the kid getting better,” said continued Sapp. “The last time I checked, I’m an analyst. If you ask me what I know about this game, it’s that position.

“When was the last time you saw teams show up and they ran the ball at Joe Greene? When was the last time when they went at any great player?”

Previously, Sapp has offered to counsel Suh, just like he did with former defensive tackle Tommie Harris and others. They have yet to get together.

“I have plenty of tape for you to look at, son, if you want to sit down and talk about the game,” Sapp said. “But he doesn’t. With him, from what I’ve understood is, you are either a friend for life or a mortal enemy. I think I fall into the enemy side. I don’t think I’ll cross over.”

There is a good chance we’ll hear more from Sapp soon. Tigers manager Jim Leyland invited him to Opening Day at Comerica Park and Sapp said he will be in attendance.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune