Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL Mock Draft 2013: Buccaneers select Star Lotulelei at No. 13

The Buccaneers could get one of college football's best defensive tackles at No. 13, according to SB Nation's latest mock draft.

By Louis Bien@louisbien Mar 19, 2013, 1:33pm EDT

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could target a few different areas of need with their first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, but defensive tackle became an even bigger priority when Roy Miller signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to SB Nation's latest mock draft, the No. 13 spot may give the Bucs the perfect opportunity to land one of the draft's best overall prospects

More: Scouting report on Star Loutlelei Bucs Nation

Matthew Fairburn projects Tampa Bay to land Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, who has fallen down draft boards recently due to concerns over a heart condition. Before the ailment was revealed, Lotulelei had frequently been mentioned as perhaps the best overall prospect in the 2013 draft class. Fairburn believes that Lotulelei is still worth the first-round risk.

With the top two cornerbacks off the board and Roy Miller leaving in free agency, defensive tackle should be in play for the Buccaneers at No. 13. Star Lotulelei would be the best player in the draft if not for concerns over his heart. If he checks out medically, he will go much higher than this on draft day.

Lotulelei has earned praise for his quick first step at 311 pounds, and his versatility as a run stuffer and pass rusher. He will need to prove he can play a full four quarters at the next level, but whoever is able to harness his skillset will be glad they took they risk on Lotulelei, presuming he is healthy enough to see the field.