(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will post five times a week using the list format.)

When Ndamukong Suh came to the Lions as a rookie, he didn’t need to be a leader, he just had to learn his craft. Here are five reasons he needs to step up as a leader now.

1. It’s time for Suh to show leadership. It’s time. He was the second overall pick in the draft and that has expectations of leadership tied in with it.

2. With Kyle Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams and Cliff Avril gone the defensive line is younger and more inexperienced.

3. A rookie like Ziggy Ansah needs help along the way. Eventually he will be expected to be a leader.

4. Suh is quiet but that’s OK. He can lead by example. Leaders don’t have to be rah-rah guys. They come in all varieties.

5. Suh cut back on his penalties last year which was a step in the right direction. During OTAs and minicamps he seemed to be helping the young guys. Another step he needs to take.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)