NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College by Jody Jamieson 12/2/2009
Matt Ryan was last year’s Mike Mayock Man Crush from his Alma Mater. Not many people were quite as high on Ryan as Mayock was, but he yet again proved his position as the Godfather of the Draft as Ryan had a wonderful rookie year in Atlanta. B.J. Raji is the latest can’t miss prospect from BC, but Raji didn’t start off as the elite prospect he has become in recent times. Raji has gone from being the best of a reasonable group of under tackles, to a monster who no-one could handle at the Senior Bowl. Mayock called out Raji after the first day of practice as he knew Raji had more to give. Mayock was on the money again and Raji answered the call in a big way, dominating the compeition for the rest of the week and solidifying his position as the top defensive tackle prospect in the 2009 Draft.
Raji was declared academically ineligible for the 2007 season, and he enters the Draft as a 5th year Senior. He wasn’t penalised for a low GPA, but more for not meeting the NCAA’s “satisfactory progress” rule. The rule itself is in place to make sure student athletes are on pace to graduate after their Senior Year. Raji showed his dedication to the program and his career by spending the 2007 season on Scout Team during the week, and then completing his studies on Saturdays. Before his suspension he was projected as a potential 3rd round pick, but a dominant 2008 ensured that Raji will be the first DT off the board in April and a potential Top 10 pick.
What we like about Raji
Big enough and strong enough to play defensive tackle in a 4-3, or nose tackle in a 3-4. Excellent against the run. Will either stack the line or power into the backfield. Can dominate one on one and may demand a double team on Sundays. Has had a few injuries in college, but a tough guy who plays through the pain barrier. Quite and athletic for a DT and can get around the field to make plays.
Question marks about Raji
My biggest worry is his conditioning. If he ends up a 3-4 nose tackle, he needs to be fitter and be in on more snaps. Motivation is also a concern as he’s been known to take a play off and needs to be focused and determined for 60 minutes on Sundays if he’s too reach his full potential. Doesn’t have many pass rush moves other than the bull rush and will likely be on the sidelines on obvious passing downs.
Highlight of his college career
Raji came back from his 2007 redshirt season to dominate the competition in 2008, registerigng 16 tackles for loss as interior offensive linemen simply couldn’t contain him.
Other Snippets
6′ 1″ tall and weighed in at 334 lbs at the Senior Bowl. Busari Raji (his first name) is from Nigerian descent. Named 1st team All-ACC in 2008. Would be a great fit as a nose tackle in Green Bay’s new 3-4 defense, but will likely interest Cincinnati, Denver and Washington too.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Raji was declared academically ineligible for the 2007 season, and he enters the Draft as a 5th year Senior. He wasn’t penalised for a low GPA, but more for not meeting the NCAA’s “satisfactory progress” rule. The rule itself is in place to make sure student athletes are on pace to graduate after their Senior Year. Raji showed his dedication to the program and his career by spending the 2007 season on Scout Team during the week, and then completing his studies on Saturdays. Before his suspension he was projected as a potential 3rd round pick, but a dominant 2008 ensured that Raji will be the first DT off the board in April and a potential Top 10 pick.
