2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Wisconsin

These are the school’s prospects for the 2014 NFL Draft by status. * – denotes 2015 prospect. ** – denotes 2016 prospect.

This page was last updated May 25, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

Jared Abbrederis*, WR, Wisconsin
Height: 6-2. Weight: 188.
Projected 40 Time: 4.41.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
5/4/13: Abbrederis suffered a mild concussion against Oregon State early last season, and Wisconsin really missed him when he was out. Despite terrible quarterback play, Abbrederis totaled 49 receptions for 837 yards and five touchdowns. He has consistently produced big plays for the Badgers the past two years.

In 2011 even though Abbrederis had less receptions than No. 1 receiver Nick Toon, Abbrederis topped Toon in yardage.Abbrederis caught 55 passes for 933 yards and eight touchdowns. The sophomore exploited a lot of soft coverage and produced some big plays for quarterback Russell Wilson. Abbrederis also returned punts and averaged 16 yards per return.

The Badgers lost a lot on offense following 2011, so Abbrederis saw more attention from defenses, but also more opportunities in the Badgers’ offense. He had a modest freshman season with 20 catches for 289 yards and three scores. Abbrederis has good size with deceptive quickness.

Personal: Abbrederis is a scholar athlete with a major in human ecology. He is the son of Scott and Lisa Abbrederis.

Jacob Pederson, TE, Wisconsin
Height: 6-4. Weight: 241.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
5/4/13: Pederson is a nice receiving tight end with H-back potential for the NFL. The junior hauled in 27 receptions for 355 yards and four touchdowns last year. Pederson caught 30 passes for 356 yards and eight touchdowns in 2011. He could produce more as a senior if Wisconsin can get good quarterback play.

Pederson has blocking potential, but could use more bulk for the NFL. He has the height to add weight to his frame. Pederson is a sleeper prospect who could rise.

Personal: Majoring in agricultural and life sciences. Son of Paul and Ronda Pedersen.

Chris Borland*, ILB, Wisconsin
Height: 5-11. Weight: 248.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/25/13: Borland totaled 104 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss and six passes broken up last year. He has been a solid defender for the Badgers, but may not be a starter in the NFL. Borland needs to show an improved ability to defend the pass, or he may only be a two-down linebacker as a pro.

Borland is a thumper middle linebacker who is an excellent run-stuffer. He totaled 143 tackles in 2011, along with 19 tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and five passes broken up. Borland missed all but two games in 2010 with a shoulder injury. The freshman had a solid debut in 2009 with 54 tackles and five forced fumbles.

Borland is a tough, physical defender who has a knack for jarring the ball loose. His best fit in the NFL could be on the inside of a 3-4 defense. He may not have the speed and athleticism to play in a 4-3.

Personal: Majoring in history. Son of Jeff and Zebbie Borland.

James White, RB, Wisconsin
Height: 5-10. Weight: 197.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2014): 5-6.
5/3/13: White would be a starter for most programs, but at Wisconsin he was the secondary back behind Montee Ball the past three seasons. White should be the starting back for the Badgers in 2013 since Ball was drafted by the Broncos.

White ran for 806 yards and averaged 6.4 yards per carry with 12 touchdowns last year. The sophomore ran for 713 yards and six touchdowns in 2011, which was definitely less production than in 2010. The freshamn ran for 1,052 yards with 14 touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards per carry as part of a running back rotation. White has 26 receptions for 238 yards in his career. He has also contributed to the Badgers as a kick returner, but averaged only 20 yards per return. Like Ball, White also needs to prove that he could be more than a system back.

Personal: Son of Tyrone and Lisa White. Related to Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss and Giants wide out Sinorice Moss.

Dezmen Southward, S, Wisconsin
Height: 6-2. Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
5/25/13: Southward was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 2012. He totaled 69 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, two interceptions and five passes broken up. It was Southward’s first full season as a starter and he could be better in 2013. Southward recorded a total of 43 tackles as a backup during his sophomore and freshman seasons.

Personal: An agricultural business major. Son of Caprice Southward and Eli Rasheed. His stepfather, Eli, is the defensive line coach at Toledo.