Star Lotulelei's Heart Condition at Combine Doesn't Derail DT's Draft Stock

Star Lotulelei possesses the raw skills necessary to become a dominant force at the NFL level. While question marks about the defensive tackle's health caused his stock to fluctuate throughout the process, it didn't completely knock him off course.

The Utah star arrived at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine amid plenty of hype. Due to a lackluster draft class, at least in terms of top-end talent, he was among the top few prospects. It wouldn't have been a stretch to call him the best player available.

Then a heart condition was detected at the annual prospect showcase, which stopped him from putting his talent on display and raised questions about his ability to make it through the NFL grind. That's when his draft stock began to take a slight tumble.

Now, with the first round of the draft just hours away, things are back trending in a positive direction for Lotulelei.

Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports he's been medically cleared and passed along some thoughts from Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. He stated the team's staff found no concerns with the potentially worrisome heart condition.

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"For us, we rely on [the medical staff] for our judgments," Roseman said. "We're not doctors; we try not to give our opinions on the medical issues. They tell us what they think, and then we rely on them to place it on the draft board in proper perspective."

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That's important for two reasons. Most importantly, the fact that the heart condition has become less of an issue since the initial combine setback is great news for Lotulelei's draft status and his personal health. Secondly, the Eagles are one team that could use him to upgrade their defense.

In fact, no fewer than three teams inside the top five could use a defensive tackle. Sharrif Floyd has remained in that range for most of the draft process, but the reported clean bill of health will go a long way in helping the Utah product rocket back up draft boards.

After some knee-jerk reactions to the heart concerns that led to him dropping toward the back end of Round 1 (or out of it altogether), it would now be a surprise if he made it out of the top 10. Somewhere in the first five picks is even a reasonable expectation.

In terms of overall value, he's definitely worth that type of investment. He's a 6'2'', 311-pound tackle that sports an extremely rare combination of short-line quickness and strength that will allow him to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

After a draft process that showed him nothing is guaranteed, motivation will likely never be an issue. As long as the coaching staff wherever he lands can convince him to continue giving 100 percent of his natural abilities on every play, he will be a major asset within a couple seasons, most likely right away.

Given the fact his athleticism will allow him to fit any scheme in one way or another, there are no shortage of avenues for him to get drafted. That's why it would be a surprise to see him slip out of the top 10 when factoring in his talent.

The worries about a heart condition were a brief setback, but Lotulelei is back on the rise and ready to make his presence felt in the NFL.