LB Chris Borland, Wisconsin

[DEMARC0MURRAY29]

Throw out all the measurables when talking about Borland. Mayock referred to him as the next Kuechly numerous times during Senior Bowl Week.

 

[IlliniNation]

That guy can flat out play some D

 

[tm1119]

Yeah I like him. Real old-school linebacker and plays with an attitude that our D desperately needs. CBS has him ranked 87th and in the 3rd round. I'd run to the podium with his name if he was still available for us in the 3rd

 

[RS12]

Zack Thomas comparisons, dont know how good he is in coverage.

 

[Gaede]

I'd draft him.

Top of my list. I don't want to draft another Ekuban cause we think we need a DE at all cost

 

[KDM256]

Looks good getting inthe backfield but what's his back peddle look like in coverage? Very few pass break ups or ints on his highlight film

 

[Setackin]

Looks good... how is he in coverage?

 

[DEMARC0MURRAY29]

He is like Kuechly or Zach Thomas in coverage imo.

 

[dantheman41]

He is like Kuechly or Zach Thomas in coverage imo.

Didn't love him. Watched him in few games. To me he doesn't have the sideline to sideline speed they have... Had difficulty covering crossing routes and drag routes... Whiffs on way too many ankle tackles too. Love Skov from Stanford much better

 

[DEMARC0MURRAY29]

He had a really good Senior Bowl game

 

[AsthmaField]

I don't think he's a round 1 or 2 guy, but I would look at him hard in the 3rd. It would depend on who else was sitting there, but I think he might be a very solid player in the 3rd.

I do like him and how he plays, but I want to see what he does at the combine. For him to play outside for us, he is going to have to be pretty fast, and I'm not sure how well he runs. His instincts are so good that he plays pretty fast anyway, but in coverage, he will have to have some speed to survive in Kiffin's 43.

 

[SportsGuru80]

If he's there in the 3rd round I'd take him.

 

[IAmLegend]

Love his tenacity and attitude. The type of guy who leaves it all on the field and gives your D an edge. If he's there in 3rd you'd have to seriously consider him. Don't think he has the speed of Zach Thomas though, he could really fly for a LB.

 

[CowboysLegend365]

Wisconsin has been putting out alot of NFL ready guys lately. Wherever this guy lands I see him coming in as a dependable day 1 starter.

 

[DEMARC0MURRAY29]

I think you can plug him in at ILB London Fletcher style for 15 years. Solid.

 

[jobberone]

Can he cover? Is he fast enough. Is he big enough? I like his play but I don't want someone that small and slow.

 

[koolaid]

Diehard Wisconsin fan here. Normally I try not to annoy people on the board with my homer college football opinions before the draft (although I couldn't resist with Russell Wilson a few years ago) but I think this guy is absolutely LEGIT. The first word that comes to mind when I think of this guy is instincts. He does an excellent job sniffing out screens and getting to the football. It seems like he is in on every tackle when you watch him play. You won't see this guy taking plays off. He is very explosive and solid enough to stop power backs like Hyde in their tracks. People are going to try to make this guy seem like a sub-par athlete with a big motor but that is absolutely not the case (well the big motor part is true). This is the kind of guy who can jump over blockers to blow up RBs. The height thing is going to get blown out of proportion, with his thick build he will be an ideal NFL linebacker. Many people will probably overlook this but this kid has serious skills as a pass rusher. The only red flag I can think of would be that he got dinged up and missed some time this year, but his strong performance late in the season/bowl game/senior bowl was reassuring.
You gotta love this guys character:
"Since last May, Borland has accumulated an astounding 126 community service hours" (not sure if I can link the source)

As far as we go, I agree with you guys that getting him in the 3rd would be pretty sweet. I could see some GM falling in love and pulling the trigger in the 2nd.

 

[IrishAnto]

I think you can plug him in at ILB London Fletcher style for 15 years. Solid.

I think London Fletcher was more than just solid.

If Borland turns out to be as good, the team that draft's him is going to be very happy.