PFF: Star is the best run stopping DT in the league

[ctrcat]

I say divine intervention because exactly one year ago I wanted Star so bad but thought we must lose out, and even then it was not likely given that he was #1 in many mocks. Four wins later, there's simply no logical way we get the best player at a position of need at #14! I am numb with happiness as to how it all worked out.

[CatMan72]

Not according to PFF:

 

1. Sheldon Richardson, DE, Jets: +25.0

This was a week where he took advantage of others slipping even as the Jets got thumped by the Dolphins. We say it every week that the team might like a little more pressure from him, but his work in the run game (which peaked this week) has been so good he’s the stand out rookie.

 

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/12/03/race-for-rookie-of-the-year-week-13-2/

 

Nice to see both Star (5) and Kawaan (10) in the Top 10 though.

 

"but his work in the run game (which peaked this week) has been so good he’s the stand out rookie." 

 

Yet Star is the top run stopping DT in the whole league by their own analysis? 

[Jackofalltrades]

Not only is he just a rookie, but he has miles to go as a pass rusher and has already shown flashes of great potential there too.

 

I love this kid.

[bigdog10]

Star is an absolute stud, however Short's play gets looked over a bit.

 

Star:  432 snaps played:  34 tackles, 2 sacks

 

Short:  393 snaps played:  21 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery

 

These two will be anchors of this d-line for many, many years.

[ctrcat]

Considering we have GMan and 7 of PFF's top 10 rookies weren't first rounders, I'm expecting big things out of #32 in May's draft as well.

[Growl]

Yeah Richardson is a candidate as well.

[tondi]

The Star pick was one of the few moments of unanimity by the board and is proving that we and the team were right to pick him.  I still can't understand how he dropped after he was cleared medically.

[Jackofalltrades]

From PFF's ROY Race page

 

5. Star Lotulelei, DT, Panthers: +14.0

Returned to his best against the Buccaneers with his fourth highest grade of the year. As usual some good work in the run game, but with a hit and two hurries picked up his highest pass rushing grade of the year.

 

 

10. Kawann Short, DT, Panthers: +9.9

A significant part of the Panthers defensive tackle rotation, who fully warrants this spot with some good work against the run and rushing the passer.

 

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/12/03/race-for-rookie-of-the-year-week-13-2/

[frash.exe]

From PFF's ROY Race page

5. Star Lotulelei, DT, Panthers: +14.0

Returned to his best against the Buccaneers with his fourth highest grade of the year. As usual some good work in the run game, but with a hit and two hurries picked up his highest pass rushing grade of the year.

10. Kawann Short, DT, Panthers: +9.9

A significant part of the Panthers defensive tackle rotation, who fully warrants this spot with some good work against the run and rushing the passer.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/12/03/race-for-rookie-of-the-year-week-13-2/

[Zaximus]

The best thing about that is seeing Short on the list also.   Everyone knew Star was a beast, but to hit lightning in the second round as well, is awesome, and that's how you build championship teams, in the later rounds.  Klein looking good too.   It should help Star being on the best defense in the league since he's been a huge part of that, especially the run defense when awards are handed out.

[PantherGuy]

The Star pick was one of the few moments of unanimity by the board and is proving that we and the team were right to pick him.  I still can't understand how he dropped after he was cleared medically.

 

I've never understood this either. 

[PhillyB]

for once we may have the advantage of getting better selections on these sorts of things because we're a phenomenal team. panthers are getting tons of press right now and our national notoriety and relevance on the field could shift favor towards star.

[jtnc]

Star didn't even have many pre-draft workouts for teams. Some NFL scouting departments really are stupid. Their loss, our gain.

[Banjo]

To get this freak at #14 was divine intervention. Keep pounding.

 

It was that weird heart problem that made him drop. Star was a top 5 talent otherwise. I remember the Panthers literally racing to give their selection to Goodell at the draft