Packers' B.J. Raji designated at nose tackle entering 2015
Green Bay Packers defensive lineman B.J. Raji will solely be used at nose tackle entering the 2015 season.
The Packers lined up Raji at defensive end on some snaps in 2013, where it was readily apparent that he was cast out of position. Raji tore his biceps last August during the preseason and missed the entire 2014 campaign.
"I know we don't talk scheme, but I can say I won't be playing any end," Raji said to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "I can say that."
Raji's natural position is at nose tackle, where he played during the Packers' 2010 Super Bowl victory and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2011.
Due to a number of injuries on the defensive line, Raji was shifted to defensive end in 2013 where he recorded 17 tackles.
"His attitude, just like it was last year, his attitude was outstanding before he got hurt," Packers defensive line coach Mike Trgovac said. "He tells me that the year that he was off he got a new perspective on things. Not that he wanted the year off, but in the worst-case scenario he got hurt and had to sit out a year, he didn't just sit around and sulk, he found a way to use that to his advantage."
Raji worked on his range of motion throughout the offseason and may be poised to return to top form.
"One of things I noticed when I did my self-scout was my range of motion and my flexion," Raji said. "I don't know if you remember but back in 2010, 2011 I was a 1,000-snap guy, I was an 80-percent (playing time) guy, and I guess all that wear and tear kind of stiffened my muscles. So I noticed that my range of motion and my flexion weren't as good as when I first got here in '09. And even with our tests here, some of my numbers weren't as good as when I was a rookie."
With the Packers on the verge of another Super Bowl appearance, it's imperative that they place Raji in the best position to succeed. Green Bay's defense quietly improved through the draft and if Raji excels once again as a run-specialist, the Packers could easily be playing until February.