Defensive TackleB.J. Raji
Boston College
6'1" - 334 lbs
Projection: 2nd Round Pick
B.J. Raji is one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the 2009 NFL draft. Raji is a bigger defensive tackle, weighing in at 334 pounds. Not quite as tall as some tackles, Raji still manages to make his presence be known. Raji recorded 7.5 sacks in 2008, along with 14 tackles for a loss and 3 quarterback hurries. Raji locates the ball well and despite his thick size is still quite quick and athletic. Raji gets right to the quarterback and has the ability to read the snap count properly, allowing him to make play in the backfield. He has shown flashes of being an elite defensive tackle but still has some struggles.
The first downsize is Raji's overall size. One of the top defensive tackles in the NFL, Albert Haynesworth is 5 inches taller and nearly 15 pounds lighter. Raji will need to go on a diet and lose some weight before coming a star in the NFL. Raji's next problem is his inability to perform once double-teamed. Raji does not handle double teams well and if double teamed is pretty much useless. Raji also has had some injury and character problems. He missed the 2007 season after being red shirted for academic reasons (which may show that he lacks a work ethic). He also missed some spring practices while nursing a shoulder injury. During the 2006 Central Michigan game Raji was ejected for punching a Chippewah player. Raji's problems seem to outweigh his positives. B.J. could be the next Albert Haynesworth or he could turn into the next defensive tackle bust (think John McCargo).
2008 Stats: 7.5 Sacks - 42 total tackles - 14 tackles for loss - 5 passes broken up - 3 quarterback hurries
Career Stats: 10.5 sacks - 65 total tackles - 22.5 tackles for loss - 8 passes broken up - 1 quarterback hurry - 1 forced fumble
Teams That Could Draft Raji: Atlanta - San Francisco - Indianapolis - Denver - Tampa Bay - Miami - Carolina - San Diego - Detroit
The first downsize is Raji's overall size. One of the top defensive tackles in the NFL, Albert Haynesworth is 5 inches taller and nearly 15 pounds lighter. Raji will need to go on a diet and lose some weight before coming a star in the NFL. Raji's next problem is his inability to perform once double-teamed. Raji does not handle double teams well and if double teamed is pretty much useless. Raji also has had some injury and character problems. He missed the 2007 season after being red shirted for academic reasons (which may show that he lacks a work ethic). He also missed some spring practices while nursing a shoulder injury. During the 2006 Central Michigan game Raji was ejected for punching a Chippewah player. Raji's problems seem to outweigh his positives. B.J. could be the next Albert Haynesworth or he could turn into the next defensive tackle bust (think John McCargo).
2008 Stats: 7.5 Sacks - 42 total tackles - 14 tackles for loss - 5 passes broken up - 3 quarterback hurries
Career Stats: 10.5 sacks - 65 total tackles - 22.5 tackles for loss - 8 passes broken up - 1 quarterback hurry - 1 forced fumble
Teams That Could Draft Raji: Atlanta - San Francisco - Indianapolis - Denver - Tampa Bay - Miami - Carolina - San Diego - Detroit
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