Chris Borland

Wisconsin, ILB

Height: 5.11

Weight: 248

40yd: 4.83

Age: 23

Stats Year G Tak TFL Sak PBU INT 2009 13 54 10.5 5 2 1 2010 2 7 2 1 0 0 2011 14 143 19 2.5 5 2 2012 12 104 9.5 4 6 0 2013 12 111 8.5 4 2 1

Athleticism: C+

Foot speed is below average. Elite instincts and timing allow him to play much faster than he runs but will lose the race to catch quicker backs and receiver once they reverse direction. Has good change of direction ability moving forward and is able to sink his hips fluidly. Has uncommon burst in a straight line.

Power: C+

Potential as a run defender is tricky to forecast. Plays with a hot motor on every down and is always looking to make contact. Excellent weight room and upper body strength. Has very short arms and can be locked out by O-linemen before he can even get his hands on them. Is able to slip blocks with his quickness, agility, and savvy but struggles to bull rush or anchor.

Technique: C+

Is not a face-up player and makes most of his tackles below the waist or by lowering his shoulder. Short arms will hinder his ability to securely wrap up the ballcarrier. Can deliver hits by lowering his shoulder, but does not strike as a square-up tackler. Forced 14 fumbles over his career. Does too much diving and missing as a tackler and is nearly always on the ground afterwards. Typically gives up extra yards as a tackler and running backs routinely fall forward. Better and stronger tackler on goal-line stands. Shows good hand use and plays with good leverage, both of which are mitigated by his lack of length.

Third-Down: B+

Has plenty of experience rushing the passer and was often lined up on the edge on third down and on blitzes. Consistently was able to pressure the QB and get him to step up and hurry his throws. Stat sheet does not reflect his value as a pass rusher. Strong spin move and hand use. Relies on quickness and can be negated by athletic tackles. Not used as much in coverage, but has the instincts and closing burst to be effective in short zones.

Intangibles: A+

Outstanding instincts and is often moving downhill just before the ball is snapped. Rarely is out of position, in spite of how aggressively he jumps the snap. Always gives second and even third effort. Plays with abandon. Was a four year starter and big time producer throughout his career. Strong football character.

Red Flags: Size, Long-Term Durability

Bottom Line: Borland is such a likable player to watch on film that it’s difficult to overlook his short-comings. However, size and athletic limitations could impact his ability to play at the next level and limits what type of scheme he can play. Borland will likely be confined to playing in a gap-shooting defense as a starter, but will always have a role as a situational standup rusher, goal-line ‘backer, and has the traits and demeanor of a special teams star.

Comparison: Brandon Spikes

Grade: 8.3 (3rd Round)

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