B.J. Raji DT 6'2 337 Boston College 5.13

Raji played himself into the rotation as a freshman, playing a key reserve role for the Eagles. He finished the year with 13 tackles, 1.5 of them coming behind the line of scrimmage. As a sophomore, he had 27 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Raji continued to improve as a junior, this time finishing the season with 23 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and two sacks. Big things were expected as a senior but Raji was academically ineligible and missed the season. After redshirting, Raji had a huge senior season, tallying career highs across the board with 37 tackles, 13 for loss, and seven sacks.

Strengths

Raji is a wide body that is very tough to move off the line of scrimmage. He is built low to the ground and is excellent at clogging running lanes. He is very good at holding his ground at the point of attack and closing the gap when a back comes in his area. There is some surprising quickness in his game despite tipping the scales at 320lbs. He comes off the snap extremely quick and has the ability to get into the backfield to disrupt the action.

Weaknesses

With the role that was expected of Raji as a senior in 2007, it is inexcusable for him to have been academically ineligible. The lack of dedication to do everything it takes to help his football team is something Raji will face during the interview process. He bounced back with an excellent senior year, but still has some issues to face.

Future

Raji used the disaster last year to fire him up and actually improve his draft standing. His vault up the boards this year has been amazing. He entered the year with a lot of questions, carrying a mid round grade. His play during the season pushed him to the top of the DT class, and a definite first rounder. He has continued to rise up the boards, further distancing himself in the post season. Raji had a tremendous showing at the Senior Bowl, dominating all week, and continued that success at the combine. Raji is now a possible Top 10 pick that is getting some talk as the top defender not named Aaron Curry.