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School Bio

1.24.09 - Going back to the East-West Shrine Game last week and continuing through the Senior Bowl tonight, the Packers asked players how they think they would fit into a 3-4 scheme. Four of the top players at the Senior Bowl - Boston College tackle B.J. Raji, Southern California linebackers Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews and Sidbury - had meetings with the Packers this week. That is not out of the ordinary. Except for players who don't fit their schemes, the Packers had at least a cursory conversation with each player in Mobile.

1.24.09 - Raji turned the week of practices leading up to the college all-star game/NFL job fair into his personal coming-out party. The 6-foot-1-inch, 323-pound anchor of BC's defense has put himself in position to be a first-round pick in April's NFL draft and possibly the highest BC defensive pick since defensive end Mike Mamula went seventh overall in 1995. "In Mobile, he set himself higher than everybody else. I think he turned a lot of heads this week," said one AFC scout, who said Raji could be selected in the middle of the first round.

1.23.09 - At his best, B.J. Raji was dominant, pushing around most guards and centers throughout the week. He displayed both the quickness to get around offensive linemen as well as the strength to overpower them. Raji can be so disruptive – at one point breaking up a hand-off in 11-on-11, pushing Alex Mack back into the quarterback. - NFL Draft Bible On Location At The Senior Bowl

1.21.09 – B.J. Raji is the best prospect at this game, case closed. He beat a double team. He generated undeniable push on most every play. He penetrated the backfield and blew up run and pass plays alike, in fact, any time a play was thwarted in the backfield, you could count on Raji being the player who was the culprit. Only Alex Mack (C-California) has come close to containing Raji in the pit this week.

1.20.09 – B.J. Raji is looking more and more like a top 10 pick by the day, generally disrupting and overpowering his opponent and once again flashing astounding quickness for 334 pounder. He has the rare ability to collapse the pocket, rush the passer, tie up double teams, and blow up running plays in the backfield, a la Albert Haynesworth or Kris Jenkins. - Draft Guys On Location at the Senior Bowl

Scout's Take - 7.1.08

Pros: Short and stout, he’s the prototypical inside clogger who can eat up space. He has the bulk and girth and just as important, he plays with a chip on his shoulder. Despite his size (334), Raji is agile enough to get into the backfield and cause disruption, which is why he will instantly strengthen any defensive unit up front. His strength is playing against the run and while he has displayed some flashes as a pass rusher, he will not make much of an impact getting to the quarterback as a professional. Raji is a sure tackler and possesses good instincts and awareness.

Cons: He has experienced trouble disengaging from blocks and has been susceptible to chop blocks. Stamina and endurance have also been issues in the past for the New Jersey native, causing him to wear down and disappear at the end of games. Raji has the frame of a 3-4 nose tackle at the next level, but will probably have to get stronger. He had to red-shirt the 2007 season due to academic reasons, which could be a red flag for some. In addition to sitting out a full season, Raji missed spring practice with a shoulder injury that required surgery.