2014 NFL Draft: 7-Round Green Bay Packers Mock Draft

Nov 9, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Chris Borland (44) tackles Brigham Young Cougars running back Adam Hine (28) during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Second Round

No. 53 overall: Chris Borland, ILB, Wisconsin
Borland had 102 tackles and four sacks for the Badgers last season, but there are concerns about his size and durability. He missed one game as a senior because of an injury, as well as missing the spring game. Borland also sat out two games as a junior because of a hamstring injury and missed almost all of the 2010 season because of a shoulder injury, receiving an extra year as a medical hardship.

He’s bulky at 248 pounds, but there are worries about his height (5-foot-11½) and short arms (29¼ inches). His speed is average (4.83 40-yard dash), but scouts say he plays faster on tape.

However, his production was tremendous and he also scores very highly in the intangibles; he was a leader of his team at Wisconsin and was a hard worker on and off the field, by all accounts.

Borland has drawn a lot of comparisons to former Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Zach Thomas, who was a four-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection—not the worst player to be compared to.