Chris Borland & Four Other Non-First Round Draft Prospects Who Tickle My Fancy [VIDEOS]

Chris Borland, ILB, Wisconsin

If Borland did not have serious medical concerns surrounding the possibility of a third surgery, I truly believe he could have snuck his way into the tail end of the first round.
His size draws comparisons to Zach Thomas and that is EXACTLY who he plays like. There is not a linebacker in this draft who does a finer job at sniffing out the ball carrier and closing on him. When you watch Borland, you see a man born to play middle linebacker. And born middle linebackers belong in Chicago.
ESPN’s Brian Bennett did a brilliant profile of Borland in October. One of my favorite quotes: “There are times when he’ll make a big play at practice, and then as he’s jogging back, he’ll do a backflip,” defensive coordinator Dave Aranda said. “That’s Chris.” Read the entire profile by CLICKING HERE.
Borland’s style of play suggests that even if he struggled at LB he could be one of the best special teams men in the sport.
From a human perspective, a rooting perspective, there is not a player in this draft I’d be happier to see in a Bears uniform.

Bears have three “offensive production” needs: Forte backup/scat back, speed threat on the outside and kick returner. Thomas fills all three needs with one body. (Though I’m not sure how many carries I’d give him.)