B.J. Raji Scouting Report

During the 2006 campaign, B.J. Raji tallied 8.5 tackles-for-loss and three sacks. Off that success, he could have been an early second day selection in the 2008 Draft. Since he was academically ineligible during the 2007 season, it was certainly an option. But Raji spent that season on the sidelines and came back strong in 2008. Early in the 2008 season, the 6-1, 323 pound defensive tackle has been a dominating run stopper and a tough match-up for any Atlantic Coast Conference opponent. Despite his size, Raji is deceptively quick. His first step is very impressive and then he will use his strength to simply run over the opposing lineman. Raji does just about everything well that one would hope from a defensive tackle. His positioning and instincts are solid and combined with his athleticism and strength, Raji pretty much has it all. The most important thing for Raji is to stay healthy and continue to prove that his year off did not negatively effect his game. So far that time on the sidelines appears to have been a positive for Raji as the beginning of the 2008 campaign has gone very well. If that continues, he could be a first round selection when all is said and done. 12/25 Update: The rest of the 2008 campaign went nearly as well as the beginning for Raji. He ended the regular season with seven sacks and 13 tackles-for-loss. While he did not keep up with his early pace, Raji did not put forth any less effort. The difference was that the opposing line knew that they had to stop him. While they were busy worrying about Raji, the rest of the Eagles got most of the production. 2/11 Update: Raji had a superb showing at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He often outworked, and was practically unblockable against, some of the best guard and center prospects in the draft. Raji has been doing that for about four years at Boston College, but showing his stuff at the Senior Bowl has made his draft stock sky rocket. Right now the worst case scenario for Raji looks like a top ten selection. 4/16 Update: Raji went through some interesting things building up to the NFL Draft. It was reported that he failed his drug test at the NFL Combine. Those rumors were later proven false. The damage was done for a little while, but Raji is now back as the unquestioned top defensive tackle in the draft. That means he should go in the top ten.