News: The Carolina Panthers plan to place starting rookie DL Sione Fua (hamstring) on injured reserve, according to The Associated Press. Fua suffered a significant right hamstring strain prior to Week 13 against Tampa Bay and didn’t play. It's unclear if he will need surgery.
Analysis: Fua, whose primary job at the nose tackle is taking up space in the middle for others to make plays, had 15 tackles with one quarterback pressure this season. Fantasy owners should continue to ignore him in all Fantasy IDP formats for the rest of the year.
News: The Panthers knew that their run defense stunk in 2010, so they brought in talent to help in 2011. Carolina spent two third-round picks on defensive tackles: USF's Terrell McClain and Stanford's Sione Fua. They also brought in West Virginia CB Brandon Hogan (Round 4) and UConn LB Lawrence Wilson (Round 6). They'll work with new defensive coordinator Sean McDermott and head coach Ron Rivera in the Panthers' 4-3 scheme.
Analysis: Believe it or not, Wilson is the only guy worth a look in Fantasy play this summer. McClain and Fua might make an impact with their teams but defensive tackles typically do not put up big stats. That goes double for Hogan, who will likely take on a reserve role. But Wilson should be able to compete for a starting role and was a major tackling machine for the Huskies. He's worth a gander late in dynasty/keeper leagues and rookie-only drafts. No other defenders from the Panthers draft class is worth a selection.
