The 2025 NFL offseason is here and that means it’s time for mock drafts, draft profiles and everything that goes with them. So without further ado, here’s one of many Draft Profiles for the 2025 NFL draft.
CJ West, NT/DT, Indiana
HT: 6’1
WT: 314 lbs
Accolades:
Tabbed third-team All-Mid-American Conference
Earned All-MAC honors from Pro Football Focus
Video:
Pros:
Initial burst off the snap can catch interior linemen off guard, particularly effective when shooting gaps in obvious running situations
Natural leverage from his compact frame helps him win the pad level battle early in reps, though this advantage often fades as drives progress
Shows good lateral movement skills for his size, able to work down the line against zone runs when he maintains proper technique
Flashes an effective swim move and occasional bull rush, particularly productive against lesser competition
Demonstrates ability to recognize blocking schemes and react accordingly, though execution isn’t always consistent
High-effort player who will chase plays from behind and fight through entire defensive series
Has faced quality competition in non-conference games, providing good evaluation tape against NFL-caliber opponents
Versatile enough to line up in multiple techniques, offering some scheme flexibility for NFL defenses
Cons:
Significant snap reaction issues – consistently late off the ball despite aligning over center, negating his natural explosiveness
Struggles mightily with pad level maintenance – stands up far too quickly and gets controlled by better offensive linemen
Hand placement is a major concern – lands outside too frequently and lacks the length to recover once blockers establish position
Shows concerning balance issues, particularly when forced to redirect or handle down blocks
Tackling technique is problematic – leaves his feet too often and struggles to finish plays he creates in the backfield
Summary:
CJ West is a seasoned interior defender who has carved out a notable collegiate career, transitioning from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) to the Big Ten. West brings a compelling blend of production and limitations to the NFL draft discussion.
After starting 35 games at Kent State, where he tallied 110 tackles and 19.5 tackles for loss (TFLs), West transferred to Indiana for his final season. The 6’2″, 317-pound defensive tackle has showcased glimpses of excellence against elite competition. However, his performances against powerhouses like Georgia and Texas A&M have also exposed both promising traits and areas for concern.
The game footage tells the story – CJ West unleashes his potential in a single-gap front, where he can freely attack. Witness his dominating performance in the UCF game opener, where he utilized a swift swim move to strip-sack the quarterback, or his consistent ability to slice through MAC competition.
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West possesses natural leverage that makes guards uneasy, particularly when he times his initial burst correctly. However, his limitations become apparent when watching the Georgia game tape West Exhibits high pad level, which hinders his effectiveness, struggling to disengage from blocks, getting washed out by double teams, exposing his vulnerability against stronger competition
The team that selects CJ West in the later rounds can expect a rotational defensive tackle with notable pass-rushing potential. By deploying him in the 3-technique position, allowing him to focus on attacking a single gap, West can unleash his strengths.
While limitations, such as missed tackles and balance issues, are inherent to his game, a targeted role as a penetrating backup tackle can help mask these concerns. West’s natural ability and upside as a rusher make him a worthwhile investment for teams seeking depth and athleticism along their defensive line.
Information in this article first appeared on NFL Draft Buzz and is used with permission. Find the latest coverage, analysis, and player rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft at nfldraftbuzz.com
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