With the ninth overall pick of the 2009 draft the Green Bay Packers chose the 6’2”, 337 lbs. defensive tackle out of Boston College. The Packers are looking to put pressure on teams with their run defense. Raji can take up blockers and will keep them busy leaving other defenders free to rush the passer.

Academic problems interrupted Raji’s college career, but he was still able to pile up the defensive numbers. In his senior season Boston College led the ACC in rushing defense allowing just 91.21 yards per game. Boston College ranked fifth nationally for total defense allowing just 268.14 yards per game. He led the Eagles with 8 sacks last year.

Raji has a nose for the football, locating it fast and heading for it just as quickly. His speed off the snap helps his nose for the ball. The Packers are going to play a 3-4 defense and are hoping the Raji will anchor them at nose tackle. Not only does he go after the pigskin, he has the strength the take on double teams and bounce off blockers to get into the backfield.

This is a strong pick for the Packers with some experts giving Raji the “best defender” in the draft title. There are some disciplinary problems possible with this pick. Not only did he miss a season due to academics, he also tested positive for marijuana use while at Boston College and tested positive for drugs at the NFL combine.