Thread: BJ Raji information/pic page

Raji's name seems to beattractive to more and more folks here. Since Mays and Spikes have decided to stay in school, it appears as thoug it's a 2 horse race between he and Rey Maulagua for Bronco fans' affections. I think we should take the time to get to know him. Feel free to post any pics, articles or updates on Raji as the draft approaches.

B.J. Raji
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 323 | 40-Time: 5.15

Strengths:
Outstanding mass and bulk...Excellent strength...Stout at the point of attack...Can fill two gaps...Able to occupy multiple blockers...Tough, powerful and nasty...A beast against the run...Can really collapse the pocket...Able to penetrate and make plays in the backfield...Above average athleticism...Quick and agile...Pursues well and has a burst to close...Good instincts and awareness...Will offer schematic versatility.

Weaknesses:
Conditioning and stamina have been problems...Is shorter than you'd prefer...Maturity and commitment have been questioned...Doesn't always play with proper leverage...Inconsistent and his motor tends to run hot and cold...Is not an elite pass rusher...Struggled to keep up with his studies and intelligence may be an issue..Durability concerns?

Notes:
First name is "Busari"...Father migrated from Nigeria...A three-year starter in the ACC...Named 1st Team All-ACC in 2008...Sat out the 2007 season for academic reasons and redshirted...Was ejected from a game in 2006 for throwing a punch...Missed spring ball in 2008 after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery...Weighed more than 350 pounds at one point but is most effective at 325-330...Potential 3-4 nose tackle but could also fit in a 4-3 scheme...Has the physical tools to be great but intangibles could hold him back and prevent him from maximizing his potential...Had an amazing senior season and showed what a truly dominant force he can be when in shape and motivated.

According to Scott Wright, from today and Monday:

Boston College DT B.J. Raji continues to impress, simply overpowering blockers. An upfield rusher, Raji's strength and quickness off the ball really stand out.

Boston College DT B.J. Raji had a good day, showing why he is one of the best defensive tackles in this draft. If not the best. Raji was singled out on quite a few coaching points but it was more a case of working with him than a negative thing. Raji was also noticeable quicker than his teammate Ron Brace, even though they are about the same size. Brace looked slow and lethargic.

Good idea man.

I wouldn't mind if we traded up to grab this guy. While linemen aren't always the sexy pick, we saw last year that they can turn out pretty damn good. If he's off the board, I'd rather trade down and grab Laurinaitis than go with Maualuga. Maualuga just doesn't look like he's as good of a prospect as Patrick Willis was two years ago and hasn't blown me away the way Raji has so far.

As much as I like Raji, no way do we trade up. If he ain't there we draft or trade down. Downies, no uppies.

Originally Posted by SmilinAssasSin27

Originally Posted by BroncoJoe

The funny thing is the picture of #60 is Ron Brace...not Raji.

Originally Posted by CoachChaz

The funny thing is the picture of #60 is Ron Brace...not Raji.

LOL! Oopsie.

I think Raji will be there at 12 and might even be there a couple of picks down the pecking order if we chose to trade down yet stay in the first.

Originally Posted by broncofaninfla

I think Raji will be there at 12 and might even be there a couple of picks down the pecking order if we chose to trade down yet stay in the first.

I dont know...GB and SF are very interested.

I don't know about Green Bay being interested they keep talking about playing Colin Cole at Nose Tackle around here. At the same time it's hard to know what to believe.

I could see Green Bay and San Francisco being very interested. Marv Lewis (Bengals) is also in love with the guy as well; but I don't think he'd take him that high. Then again, maybe he would - because yesterday he discussed how guys like Raji carry a premium and are worth more than what you'd ever believe.