Packers Work Out Ex-Wisconsin Linebacker Mike Taylor
Ex-#Badger LB Mike Taylor worked out for #Packers Monday but wasn't signed. This was his 1st NFL look after sports hernia ops in Jan., March
— Bob McGinn (@BobMcGinn) October 7, 2013
Taylor failed to generate much interest after the NFL Draft with team's scared off by his injury.
During his time at Wisconsin, however, Taylor was a productive player racking up 377 tackles, 38.5 for a loss, seven sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles over a four-year career.
His best season in college came during his junior year when he was voted first-team All-Big Ten by the media.
Taylor would be an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and his playing style is rather reminiscent of a current Packers player: A.J. Hawk.
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Comments (16)
October 07, 2013 at 08:40 pm
I cant understan we get 3linebackers injured and bring a db to the roster.
October 07, 2013 at 09:51 pm
And you likely never will.
October 08, 2013 at 08:05 pm
Jemie we just sign anothe db maybe you can explain that to me. Maibe i will undertan you.
October 07, 2013 at 10:44 pm
Always liked Taylor, good football player.
Brian, give me an early projection where you think Borland will go in the draft.
October 08, 2013 at 07:09 am
Me too. I honestly thought Taylor was going to become a good sleeper player. Then he got injured during the draft process...
Borland intrigues me too. He is short, but the guy is all over the place. He showed himself well in the Ohio St game.
Brian Carriveau
October 08, 2013 at 07:13 am
You know, I'm not sure what to make of Borland, because he's so short. But he's really, really talented. He's smart and he makes plays sideline to sideline with the best linebackers in the nation. I think he's a lot like Chris Spielman.
October 08, 2013 at 11:28 am
Reminds me a lot of Sam Mills.
October 08, 2013 at 08:26 am
I would guess Borland is a 2nd rd pick. He's far to productive in a big time college program to be a late round pick but his talent isn't that of a stud kinda player. Given a year or so he should develop into a probably NFL starter. He has very good instincts and football knowledge but his athletic talent probably isn't top shelf. IMO he's a solid 2nd, top 3rd round at the low end. The combine will be important for him. If he tests better than expected he could move up some. He also plays a position ILB, that isn't considered a premium position so he probably won't be a 1st round pick.
2nd round would be in line w/ his productivity and overall ability at this point.
October 08, 2013 at 09:45 am
Yeah, I agree with all the comments on Borland. He reminds me a bit of Zach Thomas.
Always around the ball, very physical (just watch the plays where he stuffs Carlos Hyde in the hole), has good speed, and great instincts. If I had to guess right now I would guess 2nd - 3rd round. I think whoever drafts him will be very happy.
October 09, 2013 at 08:51 pm
For certain kinds of defenses in the NFL, Borland _could_ make a splash as a Strong Safety / Rover, especially if teams are timid regarding his height (5-11). He has plenty of speed to cover (and hit / tackle) slot receivers and Tight Ends, which have become the weapons of choice in today's NFL. He used to (and still trains in practice to) field punts and kickoffs, and has even been a kicker... so he has good dexterity and coordination. He's doggedly voracious, so a DC can send him on a delayed blitz from the fringe and he'll bore in on a scrambling QB.
I present Adam Archuleta as my Exhibit A: Was a LB at New Mexico (St? Can't remember), but slimmed down and became a SS. I can see Borland slimming down and retaining his speed and responsiveness under the guidance of NFL trainers. I think he carries what weight he does in the Big Ten because he has to fend off Guards and Fullbacks.
October 08, 2013 at 05:44 am
Who would start if B. Jones can't go, Manning or lattimore
October 08, 2013 at 07:07 am
Barrington or Lattimore, Manning was axed, yo.
October 08, 2013 at 07:11 am
I think Lattimore will start. But honestly I am ok with Barrington playing. I was really high on him in the preseason.
October 08, 2013 at 09:17 am
Lattimore. he came in when Jones and Francois were both out. Not sure about Barrington. Kind of like him, but preseason really is not that great an indicator. Let's not forget Hyde was a stud with many impact plays, and now he basically is invisible. Now one has to go up against the best players of the other team, not scrubs who try to make it in the NFL. And now there is game planning and scheming... Having said all that, I am pretty confident that we are still ok at ILB. Especially after I saw the Atlanta ILBs yesterday...
October 08, 2013 at 08:09 pm
Teo spike is free agent.
October 09, 2013 at 03:31 pm
Thompson dumpster diving for guys who haven't been tainted because they (GASP!) played for another NFL franchise. Same old, smae old. Good luck, McCarthy fielding an ILB corp. led by the pile jumper and Lattimore.