ILB Chris Borland, rSr, Wisconsin Scouting Report

By Justin Partlow

Measureables: 6’0” 248 lbs

Strengths:

• Highly productive LB for Wisconsin, has made calls for defense
• Aggressive player who plays at one speed each game
• Fills holes well and will make plays in run game
• Able to play in coverage, shows speed to play with others
• Plays very disciplined, won’t see Borland out of position

Weaknesses:

• Height will become a problem for Borland in NFL, will struggle in coverage against bigger players
• Shows adequate speed, but not a burner limiting him to a 3-4 scheme in many aspects
• Needs to improve his sideline-to-sideline ability in coverage or run defense
• Small arm length leads to issues stacking and shedding from blockers

Analysis:

One of the better ILB prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft, Chris Borland has shown the ability to be a high impact player in college football. While not the biggest player on the field, Chris Borland is someone who can be a successful player despite his size issues. Borland is a leader in all facets of the game, and will prove himself from day one with his high motor and ability to recognize and react well to plays

Borland’s height and length will lead to many issues in pass coverage and in the run game, but his instincts seem to be able to mask it up well. Teams will have to take Borland out in pass coverage, or become creative as teams will look to target him against bigger TE’s and faster RB’s out of the backfield. Due to those question marks about his game, look for Borland to slide into the 3^rd round range and have an ability to start early on as a two down player, with the possibility of being a full three down player.