April 25, 2009

The Green Bay Packers have drafted Boston College defensive tackle BJ Raji ninth overall in the 2009 NFL draft. Raji tied with Bob Hyland (1967, Green Bay) as the fifth-highest draft choice in BC football history.

Later Saturday, the New England Patriots selected Raji's counterpart, tackle Ron Brace, in the second round. Brace, an All-ACC second-team selection last season, was chosen 40th overall. He started 37 straight games for the Eagles.

Raji was seen celebrating with family and friends at his home in Washington Township, N.J. on ESPN's telecast of the draft Saturday afternoon. He becomes the 17th player in BC football history to be selected in the first round, the seventh this decade alone. It was the third time in school history the Eagles have had a first-round selection for two consecutive years.

Raji was a third-team All-America selection by Associated Press last year. He was an All-ACC first-team selection and led the Eagles with 16 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, and three quarterback hurries and was third with five pass break-ups.

Raji finished his BC career with 105 career tackles, 12.5 sacks, 32.5 tackles-for-a-loss and nine pass break-ups.