CJ West Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Indiana University Athletics)
School: Indiana
Class: Senior
Position: DT
HT: 6’1
WT: 316 lbs
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Background: CJ West was a 3-star defensive tackle prospect out of Chicago, Illinois. West was a top 100 defensive tackle and top 30 player in Illinois for the class of 2020. West played his football at Nazareth Academy, where he played both defensive line and linebacker. As a junior, West was tabbed as an All-East Suburban Catholic Conference member. West helped Nazareth Academy reach the state title game as a senior in 2020. CJ West committed to play for Kent State over schools such as Minnesota, Bowling Green, and others.
College: CJ West saw limited action for the Golden Flashes in 2020. It was not until 2021 when West saw legitimate action on the defensive front. In 2021, West logged 13 starts. He recorded 7 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. In 2022, West missed a few games due to injury, but still managed to start 10. 2023 saw West be named a Third Team All-MAC selection. This was a season in which he recorded 7 tackles for loss and two sacks. After a dominant season, West transferred to Indiana for his final collegiate season. West was an All-Big 10 honorable mention in 2024 after recording 8 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.
Strengths: CJ West has incredible lateral quickness for his size. He is able to read the ball carrier and react to quick cuts along the line of scrimmage. This movement ability allows him to patrol multiple gaps and prevent the running back from taking it between the tackles. West possesses rare strength in the phone booth to keep his linebackers clean while also being able to shed blocks when necessary. West does well to wiggle through the gaps in order to make a play when the ball carrier is within reach. He sheds blocks and shoots the gaps quickly. He gets into the backfield so easily to collapse the pocket from the interior. He is not easily fooled by ball fakes or play action as he reads the football well. West has put up some incredible ball production during his time in college. He is able to jar the ball free and is a threat for a splash play on any given snap.
Weaknesses: West does not possess any elite measurables for the position. He will need to prove that he can continue to win with girth and strength at the 1 tech position. As a pass rusher, he gets stalled quickly because he plays too straight up. He needs to get lower in his rush and anchor off his feet to shoot into the pads of his opponent. His lack of explosiveness off the line contributes to how high he plays. He does not get off the line and into the point of attack with a sense of urgency.
Conclusion: CJ West provides a sturdy presence on the interior. He needs some polish in his technique and only had one season against elite Big 10 competition. He could be considered a developmental piece with plenty of room to grow. The strength he brings to the position will be valuable immediately and he should be considered a regular contributor towards the end of his rookie contract.
Scheme Fit: 3-4
Ideal Role: 1 tech
Best Team Fits: LAC, SEA, SF
Player Comparison: Harrison Phillips
Player Grade: Round 5 (53.3)
