2014 Draft Profile: Chris Borland
By Andrew Eisch
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
We are now less than two weeks away from the 2014 NFL draft, and the Miami Dolphin’s number 19 overall pick is still up in the air. There is a lot of discussion around the Dolphins drafting an offensive tackle, a linebacker, and more names are still popping up in regards to their first round pick. However the Dolphins approach their first pick, it will have a direct impact on where they go in the following rounds. One name that seems to keep popping up on the Dolphin’s radar is Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland.
Chris Borland is coming off of a very successful career at the University of Wisconsin, where he finished second in the NCAA all time career forced fumbles category, behind another player in the 2014 NFL Draft, Khalil Mack. Borland is coming off of 104 tackles last season, along with 4 sacks in 2013. Borland was recognized for his outstanding play with Defensive player of the year in the Big 10 and all-american honors.
Weighting in at only 5’11”, 248 pounds, Borland is drawing comparisons to a Dolphin’s legend, Zach Thomas. Borland is notable for his quick, physical speed that can provide a plug at the line of scrimmage. Borland shows great upside in the middle linebacker position, that would be a great pick up for the Dolphins if he falls to them. Here is what some scouts are saying about Borland:
"“Short, active, athletic, instinctive tackling machine who will have to overcome physical limitations to establish himself as a dependable, long-term starter, though he has immediate special-teams ability and the makeup to push for a more prominent role.” (Nolan Nawrocki, ESPN.com)“Heady, passionate player. Consistently diagnoses action correctly, attacking seams to make plays near the line of scrimmage and showing better than advertised speed and change of direction while dropping into coverage. He is a no-nonsense LB, showing impressive pop and determination to get to the ball. Borland is disciplined in space and is rarely fooled, showing good body positioning and timing in coverage. Despite stellar production, Borland’s pedestrian size and athleticism hurt, but there is some validity to the Zach Thomas comparisons. He lacks elite speed and range to consistently play sideline-to-sideline, but effort and motor aren’t questions – his body and mind are always at full-go. Lack of length shows near the line of scrimmage”. (Rob Rang, Cbsports.com)"
In discussion over the Dolphins first round pick, involves Alabama linebacker, C.J. Mosley. If the Dolphins select Mosley at pick 19, they will likely use their second round selection on their offensive line, subsequently taking Borland out of the picture. However, if the Dolphins choose to go elsewhere with their first selection, Borland could land as a target in the second or third round. However, Borland’s questioned availability should also be noted.
Several mock drafts have Borland landing with the Dolphins in the second round with the 50th overall selection. However, numerous other mock drafts have Borland anywhere between the 3rd-5th round. Here are a few mock drafts showing Borland’s projected selection.
Walter Cherepinsky of Walterfootball.com
- Round 2, pick 50 to the Miami Dolphins
DJ Boyer of Draftsite.com
- Round 3, pick 82 to the Chicago Bears
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN.com
- Round 2, pick 34 to the Washington Redskins
Mynfldraft.com
- Round 2, pick 50 to the Miami Dolphins
Charlie Campbell of Walterfootball.com
- Round 3, pick 71 to the Cleveland Browns
Csnchicago.com
- 4th/5th round
Where do you think Chris Borland will fall? Do you feel he is a good fit for the Miami Dolphins?
Let us know!