I really like this guy and honestly think he would be well worth the #9 pick in the draft. I already know what all the nay-sayers are about to regurgitate. About how he's not the right fit, he's too small to be a true 3-4 NT, it would be a waste of talent, etc. Star Lotulelei - Weight: 6'4" Height: 325 lbs Here's where I would counter to say he's taller and heavier (or the same size) as some of the best NT's in the NFL. Plus he's a very lean 320. Sione Pouha - 6'3" / 325 lbs Jay Ratliff - 6'4" / 287 lbs Casey Hampton - 6'1" / 325 Antonio Garay - 6'4" / 320 lbs [YOUTUBE]t_SXmuHoMP4[/YOUTUBE]
I have us taking him in the first round. The only thing I don't fully understand is the griping that taking a guard (Warmack, Cooper) in the first #15 is too high but an NT is fine. None of your comparison NTs were selected in the first round, Hampton excepted (#19), so why not look for later round NT value?
Myself I hope that's the first 2 picks we select, #9 - Lotulelei then at #13 or if we trade down Warmack Cooper if they're still there. You're right about the NT's I listed but you also have to ask yourself, would you select one of those guys in the 1st round if you knew that's the player you were getting? Truthfully Star's play and body type most resemble Haloti Ngata.I think Ngata is the best DT/NT in the game, and if we can get a guy that can mimik him we do it, period. I'm just not sold on most of these "pass rushers" that are projected to go in the 1st round. Dion Jordan seems like the only safe bet, and by all projections he'll be long gone. If not then I think our need for a pass rusher supersedes all other needs minus QB and we have to take him.
Without any trade downs, which should be what we're looking to do, I'd take Warmack with the 9th pick and Star with the 13th pick. Reinforce the two lines with two big time prospects. I believe Star has Ngata type potential with the ability to play NT and multiple positions on the D Line.
If Lotulelei was a true NT you are right on target here. He projects as more of a player that you could line up anywhere on the defensive front and utilize well, much like Haloti Ngata. As such he does fit the top part of the 1st round cohort better than a prototypical NT.
3 straight years drafting D-line in the first round, ill pass. Give Ellis another year we need offense.
If Star has Ngata type potential, or even close to it, then you pick him (regardless if you've chosen D-line two years in a row). Always go for BPA most of the time.
I am a big fan of the planet theory. The game is won in the trenches. Coming away with Star and Cooper / Warmack /Johnson / Fluker would not be a bad way to start the draft.
I think Star will still be on the board at 13 so with 9 why not take the best OL which will probably be the sweet spot to choose the best guard in the draft, so either Warmack or Cooper. #9 Warmack #13 Star Then look for the pass rusher with our #41, someone like Okafor. Or we could go O line again and take a tackle to really beef up our line. We have options going forward but we really should just be taking the BPA if we don't find a partner to trade back with.
I feel very strongly that we'll be taking Star at #9, the only way I don't see this happening is if Milliner and/or Jordan are still there. Either way I think we'll take whoever Idzik has as his best player available. If they're all three available I have them - 1: Dion Jordan - 2: Dee Milliner - 3: Star Lotulelei
Those 3 along with Austin were my top 4 also. I thought for sure they would take Star at 13. guess they had Richardson rated higher than Star.. I'm just surprised as i see Star as a guy who can play any position in our schemes..
