After a stellar career with the Badgers, linebacker Chris Borland was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the 13th pick of the third round, 77th overall.
Borland, the 2013 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, joins a vaunted linebacking corps in San Francisco, led by All-Pros Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.
Borland was widely expected to be the first Wisconsin player taken, a possible second round option for a team seeking a high-IQ leader for their defense. However, Borland’s draft measurables disappointed many, with both his height and arm length sticking out as possible red flags. Still, no draft experts discounted the Kettering, Ohio native’s motor, instincts and tackling abilities.
Listed as ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s No. 40 overall draft prospect, but also as a fourth round pick by NFL.com, Borland’s eventual landing spot was a bit of a mystery on draft day. Now, he will join a perennial Super Bowl contender and face former teammate Russell Wilson at least twice a year.
