2024 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: CJ West, DT, Kent State

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	CJ West, #5
School (Code)	Kent State University (OHKS)
DOB, Class Yr	06/12/(year unknown)
Height, Weight	6015, 315
40 Yd Dash	5.48e
Arms, Hands	N/A, N/A
Position/Depth	DT/1st
Honors/Captainship	2022 All-Conference HM
Season Viewed (yr)	2022
Games Watched	@GAUN, @OHTO, @WAUN
Scout Name / Date	Hayden Russell 07/19/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	10 GP, 26 TKL, 4.5 TFL, 1 Sack,
2021	14 GP, 43 TKL, 8 TFL, 4 Sacks, 1 PD, 1 FR
2020	3 GP, 1 TKL

Player Summary:

CJ West is a senior DT with two-years of starting experience. He aligns as a 0-tech and 1-tech in odd fronts, and as a 3-tech and tight 2-tech in 4-3 over fronts. Possesses fringe height and solid weight for the position with a “bowling ball” body type. Show solid upfield burst to make good ground in his first initial steps off the snap. Uses a violent engagement to help him leverage offensive linemen. Nimble on his feet and uses very good lateral agility to match offensive lineman when slanting gaps. He is able to disengage from offensive linemen notably with his swipe and swim moves. Vs. run, he is at his best as a penetrator where he can use his compact, bowling ball body type matched with a quick first step and violent hands to shed and stack offensive lineman. Vs. shows very good lateral agility to shuffle across the line-of-scrimmage. Shows the ability to defeat double teams by skinnying up and squeezing through tight holes with considerable play strength. Adds value as a pass rusher using his violent hands, a decent variety of moves in his arsenal, and a pass rush plan. Best in pass rush on stunts using considerable athletic ability to slant into gaps quickly. Shows a good, consistent motor. Needs quicker reaction time to the snap of the ball; slow to get-off despite lining up over the ball. Needs to play more consistently with low pad level. Fringe balance as he gets knocked off his feet on contact too often. He is not someone you want in a two-gap scheme, as he will struggle to anchor, and gets displaced with ease. Needs to improve his hand placement; lands them high and outside too often and does not work them inside. Struggles to create push and collapse the pocket. Misses tackles due to lunging. He will make an impact when he is able to penetrate or slant into gaps.

Scheme Fit:

Translates best as a rotational 3-tech in a 1-gap scheme at the next level.

Power Statement:

A strong, athletic interior defensive lineman who plays at his best when he can penetrate gaps, and makes an impact in the run and passing game with his violent temperament. Needs to refine a few areas of his game such as pad level, hand placement, and lower body strength to take the next step.