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BJ Raji - DT - Boston College

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
B.J. Raji
Senior Defensive Tackle from Boston College
Height: 6-1 Weight: 323 lbs 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.
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Career Statistics
Year GP TKL TFL SACK
2004 11 13 1.5 0.0
2005 11 27 6.5 1.5
2006 12 23 8.5 3.0
2007 RS - - -
2008 13 42 16.0 8.0
Totals 47 105 32.5 12.5
http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/dt/BJ-Raji.php

2008: 16 TFL and 8 Sacks for a big man like him is insane!
Did anybody get to focus on him during their bowl game?

I think he could be a great presence on our DL as the NT next to Amobi. Have Okam develop and the two can keep each other fresh by rotating. Plus he'd take up two blockers to allow Mario, Amobi and new DE to get after QB, as well as keep those OL off Demeco and the other LB's. I think a NT like him would have the most overall affect on our defense than anyother player, although he would go widely unnoticed by fans... his affect would be tremendous
 
I'm on the Raji bandwagon, I'm just afraid he'll probably be gone by pick 15.

We'd probably have to trade up to get him, and I don't really see the Texans doing that.
 
If he's there at 15 he's a no-brainer. There's not a player I'd take over him. People talk about getting a compliment to Slaton; Raji is the ideal compliment to Okoye and adding him would be like adding two players because you get your big space eating DT in Raji, and you unlock a lot of Amobi's potential and allow him to play to his abilities. I'm pretty confident he'll be gone at 15 though.
 
B.J. Raji
Senior Defensive Tackle from Boston College
Height: 6-1 Weight: 323 lbs 40-Time: 5.15


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http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/dt/BJ-Raji.php

2008: 16 TFL and 8 Sacks for a big man like him is insane!
Did anybody get to focus on him during their bowl game?

I think he could be a great presence on our DL as the NT next to Amobi. Have Okam develop and the two can keep each other fresh by rotating. Plus he'd take up two blockers to allow Mario, Amobi and new DE to get after QB, as well as keep those OL off Demeco and the other LB's. I think a NT like him would have the most overall affect on our defense than anyother player, although he would go widely unnoticed by fans... his affect would be tremendous

Scott Wright is completely wrong about Raji's motor. He's relentless and appears to give his all on every play. To use him strictly as a NT would be a waste of his talent since he is surprisingly good at rushing the passer. If Okam develops, he and Raji could play next to each other on occasion. Think of him as a more explosive Vince Wilfork. I'd love to pick him up at 15.
 
Scott Wright is completely wrong about Raji's motor. He's relentless and appears to give his all on every play. To use him strictly as a NT would be a waste of his talent since he is surprisingly good at rushing the passer. If Okam develops, he and Raji could play next to each other on occasion. Think of him as a more explosive Vince Wilfork. I'd love to pick him up at 15.

I agree. I havn't seen enough of him to comment too much, but I love what I have seen. I think he's such a versatile lineman it could be great for the overall wellbeing of our defense. This new DC we are going to get may like to mix up things a bit. We run 4-3 most of the time but how effective are we when we even attempt to mix in a few 3-4 looks and such.

A guy like Raji could allow us to really do some creative things on the defense just because we could use him as a 3-4 NT, 4-3 NT, 4-3 UT, rush the pass, stop the run...etc.
 
Scott Wright is completely wrong about Raji's motor. He's relentless and appears to give his all on every play. To use him strictly as a NT would be a waste of his talent since he is surprisingly good at rushing the passer. If Okam develops, he and Raji could play next to each other on occasion. Think of him as a more explosive Vince Wilfork. I'd love to pick him up at 15.


I agree. I havn't seen enough of him to comment too much, but I love what I have seen. I think he's such a versatile lineman it could be great for the overall wellbeing of our defense. This new DC we are going to get may like to mix up things a bit. We run 4-3 most of the time but how effective are we when we even attempt to mix in a few 3-4 looks and such.

A guy like Raji could allow us to really do some creative things on the defense just because we could use him as a 3-4 NT, 4-3 NT, 4-3 UT, rush the pass, stop the run...etc.

I said awhile back that after the combine he'll be rated the #1 DT.

About his bowl game : He looked the same as he did every time I have seen him this year. He played hard and at times he was dominant. The bowl game just reasured me of what I have thought since the first time I saw him play. I have no doubt he is going to be a very good NFL player. I cant imagine anyone being available at 15 that would be more valuable to us than him.

He is the kind of player that will make opposing teams call pass plays on 3rd and inches. He is exactly what our D needs IMO. Dominating DT's are rare. There are less dominating DT's than there are dominating QB's. I think he has the most potential of any DL in this draft. That includes DE's
 
"Has the physical tools to be great but intangibles could hold him back and prevent him from maximizing his potential"
*****************
I dunno for sure but I think we already got this DT on our roster except we
got him for bargain basement terms in the 5th round of last years Draft ?
 
"Has the physical tools to be great but intangibles could hold him back and prevent him from maximizing his potential"
*****************
I dunno for sure but I think we already got this DT on our roster except we
got him for bargain basement terms in the 5th round of last years Draft ?

Dont know what intangibles you specifically are refering to but the kid plays hard everytime I watch him. As far as having this DT on our roster already, the difference is Raji is way more talented. Besides when dealing with guys that size it doesnt hurt to have some depth to keep them fresh.
 
I stated in another thread that Raji and Jerry will rival each other for the first DT taken in the draft. I think it just comes down to what kind of DT they want.

When I see Raji play, he reminds me of a shorter, less athletic Albert Hayneworth. Both can get those big bodies moving and dominate.
 
Raji is good but I'd prefer his teammate Ron Brace, even bigger, in the 2nd or 3rd round. It all depends on what you want the DT to do. I'm looking for someone huge to take on 2 blockers, stop the run, and possibly colapse the pocket thus freeing up Mario and Amobi to make plays on the QB.
 
Raji is good but I'd prefer his teammate Ron Brace, even bigger, in the 2nd or 3rd round. It all depends on what you want the DT to do. I'm looking for someone huge to take on 2 blockers, stop the run, and possibly colapse the pocket thus freeing up Mario and Amobi to make plays on the QB.

Me I want both Raji and Brace. Add them to Okoye and whoever, and the DTs are set.
 
I think in Raji's case it was more academic commitment. But then again you don't pass you don't play in college so that commitment is probably a legitimate concern.

I just wish there was a sure thing DT in the draft. I wasn't overly impressed by Terrence Cody - but that was only based on one game, so for all I know he could be great.

I know there's never really a "sure thing" but I at least would want a guy they know is a wrecking ball, is dedicated, and has the right attitude.

I mean, Glenn Dorsey seemed like a sure thing to me, but so far, not so much.
 
good eye, as always. Raji is clear #1 DT which means any team with top priority addressing interior DL will select him before the Texans pick.
 
I prefer his teammate Ron Brace.

1. Maulauga
2. Brace

would fix our run-stopping problems.
This what I'm thinking and want your views on Brace after senior bowl. If we could wrangle a trade down get a starter in first and an extra 2? Whew.

1st after trade down Michael Johnson LB or DE good pick later in 1st
2nd. ours Shonn Green RB
2nd trade Brace DT
3rd Rashard Johnson FS
4th Robert Ayers DE
 
I see Maulauga and Brace as adding much-needed beef to the center of the defense.

I love DeMeco but shedding blocks is not his thing and he was crushed by guards a lot last year. With Brace at NT and Rey Rey at MLB, a lot more plays should be shoved to the outside for guys like Ryans, Mario, and Adibi/Diles
 
:penalty:

You have "Demeco" and "outside" in reference to linebacking in the same sentence. That's #2, #1 is "Dunta" and "safety" in the same sentence in case you were wondering.

Just kidding, Mauluaga would be a great addition and Demeco would be just as effective from the outside as he is in the middle. By the way, if you need to get around calling Dunta a safety just refer to him as "covering the slot in situations". Don't know much about Brace but beefing up the middle to get guys off Okoye sounds good to me.
 
I was thinking the same thing a few days ago. Could you imagine:

1. B.J. Raji
2. Ron Brace

The middle of our D-line would be set for the next 10 yrs. or more.

DT is such a hard position to draft. I'm sure our FO was thinking the exact same thing after geting TJ and Amobi within a few years of eac other.
 
I think with the Kollar hire, we're all but assured to not look for a NT type like Brace in this draft. His DLs seem to have been focused at penetrating and getting up the field. That being said, we may be set at DT with Okoye, Johnson, and Robinson rotating and Cochran and Bulman added in passing situations. I think if Raji is there at 15, he's the clear BPA and should be taken, but that's highly unlikely. I could see us going after a guy like Roy Miller or Mitch King later as depth, but I'm thinking our starters are pretty much set at DT.

As for DE, if there is no value at 15, I would imagine we'd target Paul Kruger or Connor Barwin in the 2nd, with the edge going to Kruger.
 
Such a talent at a position like that... all but guaranteed to be gone by 15. :crying:

You would think but you would be hard pressed to find a mock draft with him going top 15. Everyone knows how I feel about the guy. I will cry if hes there at 15 and we pass him up. I dont see him getting past Green Bay or Denver now that they will be switching to a 3/4.


Funny after saying this, I found this.

Boston College DT B.J. Raji continued to dominate. The 334-pounder is living in the backfield making interior lineman look ridiculous. The backside of this stud defensive tackle is enormous and he looks like he was born to demolish the squat rack. That strength transfers to the field as he can bull rush anyone. In individual drills he threw Oregon OL Max Unger to the ground in a move reminiscent of Reggie White in Super Bowl XXXI. However, brute strength isn’t the only impressive aspect of this mauler’s game. His pass rush repertoire is special. Raji’s first step is very quick and he gets his hips underneath him to create great leverage. He can turn the corner and make himself small to beat the man in front of him. Honestly, I have to make myself focus on other players because I could watch him all day. Raji is a top five pick in my opinion and has been by far the most impressive player on the North. http://www.gbnreport.com/seniorbowlreport.htm
 
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I still dont see the Texans drafting a DT even with Raji available.

#1. The Texans dont draft BPA. They draft for need. David Carr. Travis Johnson. \
#2. They have needs in the secondary.
#3. We have 3 dline picks in the first round the past 4 years and alot of money tied up in the D line.
#4. We have Okoye, Johnson, Robinson, Okam and if needed can get another DT in the later rounds.

I think alot hinges on if we keep Dunta on the payroll. I think we will. He is a leader and a veteran, but money talks.

I think we have a good group of linebackers with Ryans, Bentley, Adibi, Diles and might even get a good value linebacker later in the draft like we always do.

I still think we will draft a secondary player in the first, and an OG in the 2nd. Also dont be surprised if we trade down again. But I dont see us taking Raji. But most of you think he is a top 10 pick anyways so it doesnt matter.
 
I still dont see the Texans drafting a DT even with Raji available.

#1. The Texans dont draft BPA. They draft for need. David Carr. Travis Johnson. \
#2. They have needs in the secondary.
#3. We have 3 dline picks in the first round the past 4 years and alot of money tied up in the D line.
#4. We have Okoye, Johnson, Robinson, Okam and if needed can get another DT in the later rounds.

I think alot hinges on if we keep Dunta on the payroll. I think we will. He is a leader and a veteran, but money talks.

I think we have a good group of linebackers with Ryans, Bentley, Adibi, Diles and might even get a good value linebacker later in the draft like we always do.

I still think we will draft a secondary player in the first, and an OG in the 2nd. Also dont be surprised if we trade down again. But I dont see us taking Raji. But most of you think he is a top 10 pick anyways so it doesnt matter.

#1. The Texans dont draft BPA. They draft for need. David Carr. Travis Johnson.

Different GM and Coach

#2. They have needs in the secondary.

Not really unless they decide to give up on Robinson

#3. We have 3 dline picks in the first round the past 4 years and alot of money tied up in the D line.

Doesnt matter

#4. We have Okoye, Johnson, Robinson, Okam and if needed can get another DT in the later rounds.

Okam doest really fit the new style we'll be running. More depth is still needed and if an impact guy can be added I think we will add him. We have to be able to stop the run or we might as well forget about postseason.
 
Sorry guys but after drafting Johnson and seeing the season that Okoye had this year, I don't want to use another first rounder on a DT. No way. It just doesn't seem to work for us, and we have to at some point address other needs with our first round pick instead of grabbing DT after DT after DT. I just don't want to go down that road again in the first round.
 
I still dont see the Texans drafting a DT even with Raji available.

#1. The Texans dont draft BPA. They draft for need. David Carr. Travis Johnson. \
#2. They have needs in the secondary.
#3. We have 3 dline picks in the first round the past 4 years and alot of money tied up in the D line.
#4. We have Okoye, Johnson, Robinson, Okam and if needed can get another DT in the later rounds.

I think alot hinges on if we keep Dunta on the payroll. I think we will. He is a leader and a veteran, but money talks.

I think we have a good group of linebackers with Ryans, Bentley, Adibi, Diles and might even get a good value linebacker later in the draft like we always do.

I still think we will draft a secondary player in the first, and an OG in the 2nd. Also dont be surprised if we trade down again. But I dont see us taking Raji. But most of you think he is a top 10 pick anyways so it doesnt matter.

#1 is not entirely true. They draft for BPA at a position of need. Every team does that. You're not gonna see a team like the Bengals for after Stafford if he's available when they pick, even if he's graded as the BPA there because teams are focused on getting the biggest bang for their buck. That being said, generating a pass rush from our DL is our biggest need, therefore Raji or a DE would be the guy either way you want to look at it.

#2 the needs in thte secondary are at safety and there is no safety worth the 15th overall pick. I honestly don't think there's a safety worth a first round pick this year. I'd like to see us focus on a guy like Rashad Johnson in the second or third. We're likely going to go after a mid-tier CB in FA, focus on keeping Dunta, hope Moulden and Bennett develop, and be done with the position. I think Gibbs will work wonders for this secondary.

#3 there isn't entirely as much money tied up on the DL as one would think. Once Weaver is cut, which I have my fingers crossed he will be, Mario is obviously the highly paid guy. Okoye is on a 6 year, $15.4M contract and Johnson is on a 5 year, $10.2M contract. Both of these are extremely manageable. We can definitely add more payroll on the DL without worrying too much about it. Rookie contracts after about the top 7 aren't as crazy as you would think.

#4 Okoye and Johnson are both underachievers at this point in time. Robinson is an overachiever who may never be starter material. Okam may not fit the Kollar mold since he's a wide body and he wants penetration from his guys. On top of that, he only has 4 tackles in 5 games on his resume. Big whoop. Maybe he can develop, but you can't risk your season on hoping guys who haven't shown much will all of a sudden become world beaters.
 
I still dont see the Texans drafting a DT even with Raji available.

#1. The Texans dont draft BPA. They draft for need. David Carr. Travis Johnson. \
#2. They have needs in the secondary.
#3. We have 3 dline picks in the first round the past 4 years and alot of money tied up in the D line.
#4. We have Okoye, Johnson, Robinson, Okam and if needed can get another DT in the later rounds.

I think alot hinges on if we keep Dunta on the payroll. I think we will. He is a leader and a veteran, but money talks.

I think we have a good group of linebackers with Ryans, Bentley, Adibi, Diles and might even get a good value linebacker later in the draft like we always do.

I still think we will draft a secondary player in the first, and an OG in the 2nd. Also dont be surprised if we trade down again. But I dont see us taking Raji. But most of you think he is a top 10 pick anyways so it doesnt matter.
I'm confused as you insist in #1 that Texans do not select BPA yet you end your post selecting BPA?
 
Hey, get Johnson and Okoye right and then we will look into getting another DT.

Johnson has more or less been garbage for 4 seasons. He failed with his boy Jethro coaching him. He's as right as he's going to get. Bare minimum we need somebody to take his place. Maybe Deljuan could be that guy, but at 15, Raji would be the clear cut BPA. He would have the biggest impact on this defense out of anyone in this draft. He's big enough to stop the run, will demand two blockers, thus freeing up Amobi to wreck shop in the backfield, he can beat two blockers to still get into the backfield and disrupt plays, and he has the speed and shows the effort to chase down runners once they get past the line of scrimmage. I just can't see how anyone would be against us drafting him. I actually wouldn't be opposed to tossing our third rounder out there to move up a couple of picks if he happens to slide a bit.
 
Johnson has more or less been garbage for 4 seasons. He failed with his boy Jethro coaching him. He's as right as he's going to get. Bare minimum we need somebody to take his place. Maybe Deljuan could be that guy, but at 15, Raji would be the clear cut BPA. He would have the biggest impact on this defense out of anyone in this draft. He's big enough to stop the run, will demand two blockers, thus freeing up Amobi to wreck shop in the backfield, he can beat two blockers to still get into the backfield and disrupt plays, and he has the speed and shows the effort to chase down runners once they get past the line of scrimmage. I just can't see how anyone would be against us drafting him. I actually wouldn't be opposed to tossing our third rounder out there to move up a couple of picks if he happens to slide a bit.

From what I read and hear our new D line coach doesn't want space eaters, he wants gap shooters and havoc in the backfield. Now he hasn't come out and said what kind of player he would draft if he had his choice, but again from what ive read and seen it would be quicker, faster, penitrating defensive tackles.

EDIT: Maybe Raji does last and we do take him. I am just giving my personal opinion on what the Texans will do.
 
From what I read and hear our new D line coach doesn't want space eaters, he wants gap shooters and havoc in the backfield. Now he hasn't come out and said what kind of player he would draft if he had his choice, but again from what ive read and seen it would be quicker, faster, penitrating defensive tackles.

EDIT: Maybe Raji does last and we do take him. I am just giving my personal opinion on what the Texans will do.

You just described Raji. He may have the size of a space eater, but he has the skills of a one gap penetrator. On top of that, he doesn't have those "motor" questions so many DTs have. He appears to be one of the more complete DT prospects in recent years.
 
You just described Raji. He may have the size of a space eater, but he has the skills of a one gap penetrator. On top of that, he doesn't have those "motor" questions so many DTs have. He appears to be one of the more complete DT prospects in recent years.

Well lets hope if the Texans get him he continues with his high motor and penetrating ways. :P
 
Sorry guys but after drafting Johnson and seeing the season that Okoye had this year, I don't want to use another first rounder on a DT. No way. It just doesn't seem to work for us, and we have to at some point address other needs with our first round pick instead of grabbing DT after DT after DT. I just don't want to go down that road again in the first round.

This makes absolutely no sense. Just because something has failed in the past, especially under casserly, does not mean you never do it again. Yeah TJ is a huge bust and the jury is out on Okoye, he has to take that next step this coming year. The only guy I know who should be starting come next season is DelJuan Robinson. So out of 4 DT and one NT we have one legit player. The teams needs help there big time.
 
Raji really looks good in one and one drills.
But I wasn't totally impressed with him, nor Brace, in the game against Vandy.

I still think he's risky in the top half of the first round.
For a big, strong guy, he loses balance and leverage a bit more than I'd like.
I needs to see him fight the double team harder.

I would feel better taking him in the last tier of the first round, maybe at #24 or so.
 
Raji really looks good in one and one drills.
But I wasn't totally impressed with him, nor Brace, in the game against Vandy.

I still think he's risky in the top half of the first round.
For a big, strong guy, he loses balance and leverage a bit more than I'd like.
I needs to see him fight the double team harder.

I would feel better taking him in the last tier of the first round, maybe at #24 or so.

Man I dont know who you've been watching but its not the same Raji I have watched several times this year. You cant be talking his performance at the Senior Bowl thus far. He has been pretty dominant and has most likely solidified himself as a to 10 to 12 pick.
 
IMO the only other person besides who would have a bigger impact on the Texans Defense that would go in the top 15 is LB Curry.
 
Man I dont know who you've been watching but its not the same Raji I have watched several times this year. You cant be talking his performance at the Senior Bowl thus far. He has been pretty dominant and has most likely solidified himself as a to 10 to 12 pick.

When we talk about big body, there's always some risk(s) involved.
The Vandy game wasn't that far back, and you ought to see him bumping belly with Brace.
And the guy had an eating contest, they showed it during the game.
And now he's all lean and mean.

We're talking about a first round pick with a lot of money and commitment invested to the line.

I had advocated a trade down a couple years ago when Jenkins can be had for a second rounder.
That could have been accomplish with offering Garcia a better deal than the Bucs (a whole less than we've been paying MS).
Or granted the MS's deal was done, trade down (and not drafting Okoye), you checked my posts back at the time the two Texans boards merged.
We could have Jenkins who would have compliment TJ and whoever we have at the other DT spot.

And so when we compare Jenkins at the cost of around a #40 and Raji (who hasn't played a down in the NFL), I would rather go with less risk.
And who's going to say that Raji will be better than Jenkins anytime soon?
 
Also to acknowledge one or two posters here on the board,
the C from Cal is plenty good, what his name? Alex Mack?
He went one on one with Raji good.

On the real football field on a Sunday, that will be what counts!
 
Also to acknowledge one or two posters here on the board,
the C from Cal is plenty good, what his name? Alex Mack?
He went one on one with Raji good.

On the real football field on a Sunday, that will be what counts!

Yes his name is Mack. Raji had a GREAT day today dominating most of his matchups.

For the post above, I dont know what someone who was available 2 years ago has to do with Raji's worth to us this year. All I know is the guy has everything you could want in a DT. He has the size to stop the run and the ability to collapse the pocket and get to the QB on any play. I think he could be better than any DT taken last year.
 
Yes his name is Mack. Raji had a GREAT day today dominating most of his matchups.

For the post above, I dont know what someone who was available 2 years ago has to do with Raji's worth to us this year. All I know is the guy has everything you could want in a DT. He has the size to stop the run and the ability to collapse the pocket and get to the QB on any play. I think he could be better than any DT taken last year.

Could be or will be, that is the question!

Same as when the Texans had to check out Okoye's playful stink with Columbian Gold, they will have to check out the minus (we know about the plus) of this young man.

BC had done well without him defensively the previous year.
With more guys maturing this year, they did not dominate.

The two guys in the middle were quite a task for many college teams.
I don't think they had achieved what they were supposed to do.
One guy can be double teamed, the other smoothed out of the play (yeah we know Mario!)
(Not that they didn't make good individual plays here and there.)
But no, overall, against a very young Vandy team, who was not known for their offensive power, who had lost a bunch of games entering the contest, ... no, they did not do well. They were lucky, quite benificial from facing a few rookies, and still lost!

Hopefully I will have time to rewatch their loss to VT, 12-30 and to NC 24-45 and see if we can learn a few things from those!
 
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