noob question: how good is raji?

**the Talking Can** · 04-15-2009, 08:50 AM

i've never seen the guy play

i fully agree with the idea that a 3-4 NT is more valuable than a OLB, so I'm fine if we take him

but what is he like?

is there a player you could compare him to?

what is his upside?

and how much is his value inflated by scarcity? i.e. a weak DT class and the scarcity of true 3-4 NTs....

is he the Curry of NTs or the Patrick Willis of NTs....if you get my drift

Chiefnj2 · 04-15-2009, 09:00 AM

He had an excellent year, but his work habits, etc., are troublesome.

from cbssportsline.com (weight issues, stamina issues, didn't play with a high motor prior to 2008, laziness, need to be kept motivated, will never be called a hard worker in weight room or practices ...).

"Body Structure: Raji is a wide-body type with outstanding shoulder and chest width. He has big hips, thick thighs, huge calves and tree-like legs. He lacks good arm length and needs to control his weight (as high as 360), as he does have stamina issues when he plays with added bulk. His frame is fleshy in the midsection and he has natural strength, rather than a well-built weight room physique.

Athletic Ability: Raji has a thick frame with decent initial burst for a player his size. He is agile moving down the line and light on his feet, but lacks the suddenness to explode through the gaps. He demonstrates good knee bend, showing the agility, balance and short-area acceleration to get into the backfield. He has the body control and change of direction agility to make plays down the line. He also has good strength, but needs to be more physical in his play. He did play with a high motor in 2008, something he did not do in the past. GRADE: 6.6

Football Sense: This kid is field smart, but does struggle in the classroom, sitting out the 2007 season due to academic issues. He does show good field smarts, but the coaching staff felt he just did not want to apply himself in the classroom and he paid for it by sitting out a season. He has the ability to quickly learn and retain plays. He understands assignments and is quick to pick up schemes. His feel for the ball is above average and he makes an effort on every play to get to the ball. He is rarely caught out of position due to a mental error. GRADE: 6.3

Character: Raji has finally bought into the program. He comes from a supportive family (both parents are pastors), but his academic problems and lack of work ethic in the past will raise a few red flags. He was suspended for part of a game in 2006 (vs. Clemson) for fighting vs. Central Michigan. The previous coaching staff felt that he was the laziest player on the team, but a year away from the game gave him renewed motivation. Still, you have to wonder if it was to impress the NFL teams or that he finally realized he needs to step it up on and off the field. GRADE: 5.3

Competitiveness: He is a solid competitor who plays with improved aggression, but you would like him to be a little more physical in his play. He can dominate the action in the trenches and never takes plays off. He relies a lot on his quickness and hand usage to finesse blockers and makes every effort to get to the ball, but for a player of his size he should be mauling blockers more often. The staff felt that it needed to motivate him constantly in practices, politely calling him a "game" player. GRADE: 6.0

Work Habits: Raji will never be called a hard worker in the weight room or practices. He is not the type that needs to be pushed to get the best effort out of him, as he is not a self-starter. He is a good field presence who lets his actions speak louder than his words, but not the example you want for being a mentor for the team's younger players. GRADE: 5.0 "

If I have a top 10 pick, let alone a top 5 pick in the draft, it will be a guy that lives, breathes and thinks about football. Not someone with motivational issues. Not someone who doesn't want to practice or work hard Monday-Saturday. I want a guy that will lead his team all week long.

**the Talking Can** · 04-15-2009, 09:03 AM

that sets up an interesting dilemma...the pioli way of living football vs the positional value of a NT

**HemiEd** · 04-15-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

that sets up an interesting dilemma...the pioli way of living football vs the positional value of a NT

I liked the part about him never taking plays off.

These guys don't usually get this big and fat, by being a high motor, ball of fire. But, if he doesn't take plays off, that would be nice.

Delano · 04-15-2009, 09:12 AM

This good:

Brock · 04-15-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

He is not the type that needs to be pushed to get the best effort out of him, as he is not a self-starter. He is a good field presence who lets his actions speak louder than his words, but not the example you want for being a mentor for the team's younger players.

That seems to contradict itself.

Chiefnj2 · 04-15-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

That seems to contradict itself.

I think the first "not" shouldn't be there.

melbar · 04-15-2009, 09:45 AM

But,...but...if he doesnt rush the passer he's worthless right? Doesnt matter how many other contributions he makes...

....

milkman · 04-15-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbar

But,...but...if he doesnt rush the passer he's worthless right? Doesnt matter how many other contributions he makes...

....

Come on Mel, you're better than this.

The Nose in the 34 (or the 43) for that matter isn't expected to rush the passer so much as he's expected to take up space, eat up blockers, allowing others around him to make plays.

**DeezNutz** · 04-15-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbar

But,...but...if he doesnt rush the passer he's worthless right? Doesnt matter how many other contributions he makes...

....

Even in a lighthearted post, I don't know if I can let the implicit comparison between a 3-4 DT and an ILB slide...

Brock · 04-15-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbar

But,...but...if he doesnt rush the passer he's worthless right? Doesnt matter how many other contributions he makes...

....

Raji's a linebacker?

Mr. Krab · 04-15-2009, 10:02 AM

I saw him pretty much get owned by Mack.

RustShack · 04-15-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbar

But,...but...if he doesnt rush the passer he's worthless right? Doesnt matter how many other contributions he makes...

....

Are you seriously that dumb?

RustShack · 04-15-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Krab's

I saw him pretty much get owned by Mack.

That must not of been at the Sr. Bowl since Raji was dominate there.

**Dave Lane** · 04-15-2009, 10:59 AM

The only thing that concerns me about this pick after looking at tape and stats is he is 6' 1" tall and plays in the 4-3. We already have a really talented guy that size in Dorsey. Same basic player in my mind. He'd have to put on some weight / muscle but other than that they could be brothers.

04-15-2009, 08:50 AM
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9142208	noob question: how good is raji? i've never seen the guy play i fully agree with the idea that a 3-4 NT is more valuable than a OLB, so I'm fine if we take him but what is he like? is there a player you could compare him to? what is his upside? and how much is his value inflated by scarcity? i.e. a weak DT class and the scarcity of true 3-4 NTs.... is he the Curry of NTs or the Patrick Willis of NTs....if you get my drift
Posts: 51,585

04-15-2009, 09:00 AM	#2
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $6654388	He had an excellent year, but his work habits, etc., are troublesome. from cbssportsline.com (weight issues, stamina issues, didn't play with a high motor prior to 2008, laziness, need to be kept motivated, will never be called a hard worker in weight room or practices ...). "Body Structure: Raji is a wide-body type with outstanding shoulder and chest width. He has big hips, thick thighs, huge calves and tree-like legs. He lacks good arm length and needs to control his weight (as high as 360), as he does have stamina issues when he plays with added bulk. His frame is fleshy in the midsection and he has natural strength, rather than a well-built weight room physique. Athletic Ability: Raji has a thick frame with decent initial burst for a player his size. He is agile moving down the line and light on his feet, but lacks the suddenness to explode through the gaps. He demonstrates good knee bend, showing the agility, balance and short-area acceleration to get into the backfield. He has the body control and change of direction agility to make plays down the line. He also has good strength, but needs to be more physical in his play. He did play with a high motor in 2008, something he did not do in the past. GRADE: 6.6 Football Sense: This kid is field smart, but does struggle in the classroom, sitting out the 2007 season due to academic issues. He does show good field smarts, but the coaching staff felt he just did not want to apply himself in the classroom and he paid for it by sitting out a season. He has the ability to quickly learn and retain plays. He understands assignments and is quick to pick up schemes. His feel for the ball is above average and he makes an effort on every play to get to the ball. He is rarely caught out of position due to a mental error. GRADE: 6.3 Character: Raji has finally bought into the program. He comes from a supportive family (both parents are pastors), but his academic problems and lack of work ethic in the past will raise a few red flags. He was suspended for part of a game in 2006 (vs. Clemson) for fighting vs. Central Michigan. The previous coaching staff felt that he was the laziest player on the team, but a year away from the game gave him renewed motivation. Still, you have to wonder if it was to impress the NFL teams or that he finally realized he needs to step it up on and off the field. GRADE: 5.3 Competitiveness: He is a solid competitor who plays with improved aggression, but you would like him to be a little more physical in his play. He can dominate the action in the trenches and never takes plays off. He relies a lot on his quickness and hand usage to finesse blockers and makes every effort to get to the ball, but for a player of his size he should be mauling blockers more often. The staff felt that it needed to motivate him constantly in practices, politely calling him a "game" player. GRADE: 6.0 Work Habits: Raji will never be called a hard worker in the weight room or practices. He is not the type that needs to be pushed to get the best effort out of him, as he is not a self-starter. He is a good field presence who lets his actions speak louder than his words, but not the example you want for being a mentor for the team's younger players. GRADE: 5.0 " If I have a top 10 pick, let alone a top 5 pick in the draft, it will be a guy that lives, breathes and thinks about football. Not someone with motivational issues. Not someone who doesn't want to practice or work hard Monday-Saturday. I want a guy that will lead his team all week long. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,541

04-15-2009, 09:03 AM	#3
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9142208	that sets up an interesting dilemma...the pioli way of living football vs the positional value of a NT __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
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04-15-2009, 09:12 AM	#5
Delano [b]Supporter[/b] Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: A Hypnagogic Landscape Casino cash: $7655015	This good: Attached Thumbnails
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04-15-2009, 09:45 AM	#8
melbar Hillbilly Pharoh Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Branson MO. Casino cash: $10004900	But,...but...if he doesnt rush the passer he's worthless right? Doesnt matter how many other contributions he makes....... __________________
Posts: 2,148

04-15-2009, 10:02 AM	#12
Mr. Krab Big Red Nuts Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $10004900	I saw him pretty much get owned by Mack.
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04-15-2009, 10:59 AM	#15
Dave Lane Space Cadet and Aczabel Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kanab, UT, USA Casino cash: $9333275 VARSITY	The only thing that concerns me about this pick after looking at tape and stats is he is 6' 1" tall and plays in the 4-3. We already have a really talented guy that size in Dorsey. Same basic player in my mind. He'd have to put on some weight / muscle but other than that they could be brothers. __________________ Thanks, Trump for the civics lesson. We are learning so much about RICO, espionage, sedition, impeachment, the 25th Amendment, order of succession, nepotism, separation of powers, 1st Amendment, obstruction of justice, the emoluments clause, conflicts of interest, collusion, sanctions, oligarchs, money laundering and so much more.
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