Star Lotulelei

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the former first-rounder is coming off a career-best four sacks last season. However, after posting 42 tackles as a rookie, Lotulelei hasn't topped 26 stops since, significantly capping his fantasy value.

After a rather impressive 2013 rookie campaign, Lotulelei’s production has dropped off the past couple seasons, as complications with his right foot have somewhat inhibited him. While the former first-rounder has played at least 14 games every season, Lotulelei managed just 22 tackles and one sack last term, when his fellow third-year defensive tackle Kawann Short emerged as a Pro-Bowler. Make no mistake, Lotulelei is a load for opposing linemen to handle, but his ability has not translated to fantasy value while banged-up lately, and the presence of rookie first-rounder Vernon Butler represents an insurance policy to him going forward.

Lotulelei has emerged into a disruptive defensive tackle through his first two NFL seasons, totaling 67 tackles and five sacks since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2014. Although a foot issue has bothered him heading into the upcoming campaign, Lotulelei is expected to remain as the anchor of the Panthers' front four, which bodes well for his fantasy stock.

The Panthers' first-round pick last season, Lotulelei enjoyed a great rookie campaign, registering 42 tackles (31 solo), including seven for loss and three sacks. His physical, athletic presence at defensive tackle helped take on blockers to free-up the likes of Luke Kuechly behind him and the defensive end duo of Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson as well. Lotulelei started all 16 games during his first professional season and has considerable upside as an emerging interior lineman moving forward.

Lotulelei is a very versatile player on the interior, possessing dominant skill at 4-3 tackle and any 3-4 defensive line spot. A big snap count at Utah wore Lotulelei down at times, but when he's in top form, Lotulelei is a devastating gut punch to offensive lines. His combination of explosion, leverage and power off the snap is intimidating, and he'll start right away in Carolina.