2009 NFL Draft Prospects:
B.J. Raji Profile

Strengths: Elite size, bulk, and strength to play defensive tackle in the NFL and hold up against the bigger offensive linemen … Complete wall in the middle of the defensive line against the run … Somewhat athletic with fluid hips … End-to-end defender who can make plays outside of the phone booth … Best pass rush move is the bull rush … Very strong hands, occasionally manhandles opponents … Tough and plays through pain … Solid stamina despite his size … Able to play the highly valuable 3-4 nose tackle/zero technique.

Weaknesses: Outside of the bull rush, Raji does not have much of a pass rush repertoire … Does not consistently dominate as much as you want him to as a pass rusher … Has a tendency to get too high … Misses easy tackles … Not much experience.

Summary: Raji is a very talented player with high upside, but his lack of experience worries me. If Gerald McCoy does not declare, Raji is likely the first defensive tackle off the board. Raji was suspended for the 2007 season for academic reasons; however, it was not a GPA issue rather it being with not earning enough credits. This will not hurt his draft status.

Player Comparison: Casey Hampton. Hampton might generate more sacks if he were in a 4-3 system rather than taking on two gaps. Raji and Hampton have a similar physical presence on the line of scrimmage, especially against the run.





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