Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 7!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 7... that's right baby, we've cracked into the top 10!

7. B.J. Raji, DT Boston College Eagles

2008 Season Stats:
42 tackles, 16 for a loss, 8 sacks

Career Stats:
104 tackles, 32.5 for a loss, 12.5 sacks

Personal Stats:
6'1" 337 lbs. SR

Strengths:

Outstanding mass, bulk, size and strength. Is about as strong against the run, and specifically the point of attack as any defender in this draft. When ready to go he anchors well, gets leverage, stands up blockers, sheds them and makes plays. He is a two gap tackle who will occupy multiple blockers and keep his linebackers free but will still generate a push. He gets good penetration to collapse the pocket and considering his size and speed he can track and bring down the QB. Surprising athleticism for a guy his size and moves very well in short spaces, has a surprising amount of pass rush variety and won't just use a bull rush. Very aware of where he is on the field and will naturally drift into passing lanes and get his hands up to knock passes down, also offers some scheme versatility depending on the defensive front.

Weaknesses:

Has conditioning and stamina problems, when he gets tired he gets up really high and doesn't wrap up or tackle well. His intelligence and maturity will come into question has he has had off the field problems and classroom problems. Despite stats, will not be an elite pass rushing DT.

Overall:

Raji is an elite tackle and would be a solid fit as a NT in a 4-3 or a NT in a 3-4. He has all the strength and ability to be a disruptive force for years to come, he is the only player of his kind in this draft and once he is gone there isn't anyone like him who can do what he does. He'll likely be drafted by a team to play NT in a 3-4 but there some schemes that will use him as a UT or NT in a 3-4, similar to how Minnesota uses Pat and Kevin Williams. I think he will be an elite and pro bowl talent if he can focus and kick his off the field issues.



Projected NFL Destination:

With the 7th selection in the NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select...










There you have it folks, be sure to tune in later for Prospect #6!

Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 13!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 13...

13. Peria Jerry, DT Mississippi Rebels

2008 Season Stats:
49 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 FF

Career Stats:
132 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 2 FF, INT

Personal Stats:
6'2" 299 lbs. SR

Strengths:

Peria Jerry is a disruptive and penetrating defensive tackle who has the speed and first step explosion you want from a nose tackle but he also has the stack and shed ability of a nose tackle in the run game. He is a very active defensive player and loves to get after the quarterback, he won't always bring him down but he'll always be around harassing him with hands in his face and hurrying his progressions. He uses his hands well as a wealth of defensive moves aside from rip, swim and bull rush. He is a tough, hard working and very aware football who can lead his defense.

Weaknesses:

Despite his abilities he does not have great size and bulk to play as a nose tackle at the NFL level. Despite his explosion he could stand to develop upper body strength as when he gets blocked he tends to stay blocked as he has a lot of trouble getting himself loose. He tends to come in very high with his rush and will lose the leverage battles to more technique oriented offensive linemen who can handle his speed, thus controlling his rush. He was academically ineligible and that might cause some concerns for teams as well, not to mention his durability as well as he had knee surgery before his senior season.

Overall:

In totality, I think Peria (pronounced Per-eh) Jerry is a first round lock but he might slide a bit due to his lack of versatility, intelligence and durability concerns. Though he has great ability I only see him being an under tackle in a 4-3 scheme or maybe a nose tackle for Colts seeing as they like undersized and speedier linemen on their front four. But I think Jerry is a hard worker who will help a team from day one and should be a solid pro when all is said and done.



Project NFL Destination:

With the 27th selection in the NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select...









There you have it folks, be sure to tune in later this week for Prospect #12!

Prospect Update: Boston College DTs

Per the AssociatedPress.com:

"B.J. Raji and Ron Brace gave three NFL talent evaluators a close look at what Boston College opponents had to handle: two of the best defensive tackles in college football.

In the bubble that covers the school's football field during the winter, they were the top players among about 40 from New England schools working out for scouts and assistant coaches for pro teams on Thursday.

"It's going to be great on April 25 to see both of us go" early in the draft, Raji said.

He is considered the top defensive tackle in the draft and could go as high as No. 4 to Seattle, which had the third-worst defense in the NFL last season. He almost certainly will be taken in the top half of the first round.

Brace figures to be chosen in the second round, giving a school known for turning out offensive linemen another strong position in the draft.

"That shows the prestige of our school, our linemen," Brace said.

Both attended the NFL combine in Indianapolis last month. Their workout Thursday was just a small part of their evaluations and lasted about 25 minutes, with the players running, displaying their footwork and rushing at a tackling pad held by Cleveland Browns defensive line coach Bryan Cox, a former NFL linebacker."

Scouting Combine All Snub Team: Defense

There were a wealth of players who did not get invites to the combine and here are some of those players who's absence surprised me in light of the fact of some of the higher ranked guys (read Matt Stafford and Andre Smith) not choosing to work out... or in some cases show up would have given these guys an opportunity to shine. Without further delay, here's the All Snub Team Defense!

DE: Philip Hunt, Houston
DE: Nick Reed, Oregon
DE: Willie VanDeSteeg, Minnesota
DT: Clinton McDonald, Memphis
DT: John Gill, Northwestern
DT: George Hypolite, Colorado

LB: Frantz Joseph, Florida Atlantic
LB: Brian Toal, Boston College
LB: Ashlee Palmer, Ole Miss
LB: Antonio Appleby, Virginia

CB: Mark Parson, Ohio
CB: Ellis Lankster, West Virginia
CB: Jason McCourty, Rutgers

FS: Trimane Goddard, North Carolina
SS: Terence Moore, Troy State