When you hear NFL evaluators talk about what an NFL linebacker is suppose to look like, Chris Borland is not the type of linebacker that they are describing. However, a big part of playing the linebacker position in the NFL is having both good technique and great instincts. Just take a look at all the great linebackers that have played in the past, from Dick Butkus to Ray Lewis, all the great linebackers had fantastic instincts and displayed great technique. Last year when college players; including Chris Borland, were getting ready for the NFL draft, there were quite a few people that were talking about Chris Borland being the best linebacker in the draft class. Also being that he was from Wisconsin I was hoping that the Packers would take Borland. However, when he went to the 49ers I stated that Chris Borland would not only get a chance to play but he would also win the Defensive Rookie of the Year. (If you do not believe me ask my dad) The thing that separates a good NFL player from a great NFL player is wanting to be great regardless of what other people think that their ceiling is.
Most teams when looking for an NFL linebacker would look for a player that has these type of measurements:
Height- 6'2-6'4
Weight- 230lbs-260lbs
Speed- 4.5-4.6 sec.
Vertical: 34-40inches
Bench Press- 23-30 reps
Some of Borland's numbers match up very well with these numbers, but some of them are no where close. Here are Chris Borland's measurements compared to Luke Kuechly's. Luke would be considered the prototypical NFL linebacker
Chris Borland:
Height-5'11
Weight- 248lbs
Speed- 4.83sec.
Vertical- 30inchs.
Bench Press- 27 reps
Luke Kuechly:
Height- 6'3
Weight- 238lbs
Speed- 4.58sec.
Bench Press- 27 reps
As, you can see from those numbers Borland was not suppose to be as good as he had been. People labeled him too short and too slow to play linebacker in the NFL. But in order to be a good player you have to be able to get downhill quickly and attack the ball carrier quickly in order to close the holes quickly. I not only think that Borland should get the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, I also think he should at least get some votes for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. That is how good that he has been for the 49ers, especially taking the place of Patrick Willis. For your viewing pleasure my next entry will be a Senior highlight tape of Chris Borland. Enjoy!!
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