Scouting Chris Bordelon
Earlier this month, the Jets announced that they had signed Nicholls State offensive lineman Chris Bordelon to an undrafted free agent deal. Bordelon had attended the Jets' rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis.
The 22-year old Bordelon is 6'5" and 309 pounds and was a second-team all-Southland conference selection in 2016. He started every game in 2014 and 2016 for the Colonels but sat out the 2015 season with an injury.
Background
Bordelon was a center in high school and was a reserve offensive lineman in his first two years at Nicholls State.
He became the starting left tackle in 2014, starting every game, but red-shirted his senior year in 2015 due to a shoulder injury.
He was back in the line-up in 2016, again starting every game at left tackle. Nicholls State averaged 13 points per game more than they had in the previous year while he was out.
Bordelon was not invited to the combine and didn't take part in any high profile all-star games, but earned a contract with the Jets having been invited to their rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis.
Measurables
Bordelon ran a 5.12 40-yard dash and posted a 108" broad jump at his pro day. The rest of his numbers were about average, apart from his bench press which was a disappointing 11 reps.
Usage
As noted, Bordelon played left tackle in 2014 and 2016. However, he might project better to an interior lineman role and his high school experience as a center could aid him in that transition.
Run Blocking
Bordelon shows some good abilities in the running game, both at the point of attack and in space. He had some good success against FBS opposition, albeit that he wasn't quite as impressive against their strongest opposition at that level.
Here, Bordelon (#61 at left tackle) does a good job of blocking down on the lineman opposite his inside shoulder to set the edge:
This is another play where he does a good job of controlling his block and getting some lateral movement at the point of attack:
On this play, he gets a good drive and then seals his man off to open a lane. This is well done, but he might need to add some strength to move NFL players off their spot as readily:
The following play shows an example of something he does well in the running game - double-teaming to get a good surge at the line - and, on this occasion, a peel-off to make a second level block:
He generally shows promise at the second level, getting a clean block here to spring a big play in overtime:
Bordelon will block on the move too, albeit with mixed results, pulling to the right sometimes or making a cut block at the line.
Bordelon will often fire off the line aggressively in running and quick pass situations, but he didn't on the play below. Against a stronger opponent in Georgia, he allows his man to slip off his block and get in on a tackle:
However, he did have some good moments on running plays against them, driving his man well off the line on this play to set up a fourth and short:
He also does a good job on a kick-out block here:
Pass Protection
Bordelon's pass protection résumé against FBS competition isn't too bad. Against Georgia last year, he didn't give up any pressures and against Arkansas in 2014 he managed to hold Trey Flowers without a sack despite the fact the line as a whole was overwhelmed and surrendered seven sacks in total.
However, that's perhaps slightly misleading as, in total, he gave up three sacks and a decent amount of pressure in five games against FBS teams and also because the gameplan often made his job easier with quick passes, double-team help and roll-outs.
This play shows that it's not easy for him to recover to the inside as he is badly beaten by a quick move and fortunate that the quarterback was able to get rid of the ball quickly:
Although this play went for a touchdown, he struggles badly against a basic speed rush around the corner here, never looking comfortable as he drops back into his stance:
On this play, he gets it right, stoning future NFL prospect Davin Bellamy in his tracks:
Footwork/Technique
Pad level is a common issue for draft prospects, but it wasn't as consistent of a problem for Bordelon as it often will be.
On this play, however, he does a poor job of controlling his block and moving his feet, causing himself to over-extend and lose contact with his man:
Bending at the waist like that can be an issue for him in pass protection too. Another issue for him in pass rush situations is that he sometimes doesn't get into a wide enough base and that can make him susceptible to a bull rush:
In fact, even on the play where he stopped Bellamy in his tracks from above, he doesn't look entirely comfortable and appears to rely more on his upper body strength than a strong base.
He'll need to make a further adjustment because you'll note that he is constantly in a two-point stance, whereas he'll need to play out of a three-point stance at the NFL level.
Short Yardage
Nicholls State seemed to be quite effective in short yardage situations in the games watched, although there was one play where Bordelon allowed penetration.
Here's one play where he blocks down to seal off his man well while the rest of the linemen are moving in the other direction:
Penalties
Penalties didn't seem to be an issue for Bordelon who tends to control his man without letting his hands get to the outside or being tempted to grab.
In five games against FBS competition his lone penalty was a false start.
Instincts/Intelligence
Bordelon's coaches have praised the fact that he understands the position.
At times, he'd be employed as the spare man in pass protection, requiring him to help out where needed and read and react to delayed blitzes, a role he seemed to handle well.
Attitude
Bordelon came back stronger after his injury and coaches have specifically praised his leadership.
On the field, he plays hard to the whistle and occasionally engages in shoving at the end of a play, but nothing too over-exuberant.
Injuries
Bordelon had the issue with his shoulder in 2015 but seemed to be fully recovered from it as he had his best season in 2016. During his year off, he rehabbed and worked with the practice squad.
Scheme Fit
Based on his film, it seems possible that Bordelon could be moved inside. If that's the case, he would perhaps fit better in a scheme where he's on the move, but based on his skill-set, if he could bulk up, he might fare just as well in a more power-based system.
Conclusions
Bordelon was a late addition to the roster and might be destined to be no more than a camp body. Nobody would be shocked if he was cut today, for example.
However, he shows some promise as a run blocker and was the stand-out on his college team, so the Jets will be eager to see if they can harness those skills and get him to perform against a higher level of competition.
His pass protection probably needs a little work, which is why I could see them moving him inside. Also, he would benefit from adding some strength. However, if he can prove to be a quick study, then perhaps he has a shot at being kept around as a developmental project.
UP NEXT: We take a look at Harvard FB/TE Anthony Firkser.