News: Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei slipped right into the Panthers' claws with the 14th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He figures to immediately slide into the defensive line and help the Panthers' run defense and pass rush. Carolina ranked 14th against the run last season.
Analysis: The 6-foot-3, 311-pound mammoth D-tackle has incredible burst off the snap and can manhandle opposing linemen. Our scouts compare him to Kevin Williams of the Vikings, who at one point was a productive Fantasy defensive lineman. Lotulelei did have a heart issue at the combine but he was cleared of it soon thereafter. Assuming Lotulelei is in a good position to put up some numbers in Week 1 we don't mind owners taking him with a late-round pick.
News: NFLDraftScout/CBSSports.com contributor Rob Rang reports Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei has passed a number of tests on his heart and is considered healthy for football. An echocardiogram performed at the combine showed Lotulelei had a heart condition but since then he's passed "at least 10 tests, including two Cardiac MRIs, the gold standard of medical testing of the human heart."
Analysis: Lotulelei has regained his position as a Top 15 prospect on many draft boards and should be a top-half pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 311-pound mammoth D-tackle has incredible burst off the snap and can manhandle opposing linemen. Our scouts compare him to Kevin Williams of the Vikings, who at one point was a productive Fantasy defensive lineman. Assuming Lotulelei is in a good position to put up some numbers in Week 1 we don't mind owners taking him with a late-round pick.
News: The Salt Lake Tribune reports Utah defensive lineman Star Lotulelei's heart is fine, welcomed news after having a slight issue with it at the NFL combine. Utah physician Dave Petron announced Lotulelei has "no evidence of dysfunction," and that tests found his heart function performed "consistently with that of highly trained athletes."
Analysis: The big, explosive tackle has received rave reviews after being one of college's top run stuffers. He's got good enough speed to go with his strength, though he doesn't have polished technique or plays at a high level consistently. He'll likely make a bigger impact for a team's DST than as an individual defensive player.
News: Utah defensive lineman Star Lotulelei, a top prospect in the NFL draft, reportedly has a heart condition that kept him out of the NFL combine. An echocardiogram performed at the combine showed Lotulelei's issue, forcing him to wait to work out for NFL coaches and scouts. Considered by many to be a Top 10 talent, Lotulelei will seek a second opinion while planning for his pro day on March 20.
Analysis: The big, explosive tackle has received rave reviews after being one of college's top run stuffers. He's got good enough speed to go with his strength, though he doesn't have polished technique or plays at a high level consistently. He'll likely make a bigger impact for a team's DST than as an individual defensive player.
