2011 NFL Draft Results: Nate Solder Heads To New England Patriots

The New England Patriots always seem to be stockpiling young plug-and-play talent in the NFL Draft. With Nate Solder, a tackle from Colorado selected with the 17th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Patriots have veered a bit more to the potential side.

That’s because Solder is new to the tackle position, and has only played it since heading to Boulder. He has tremendous athleticism and great size for a tackle, but his frame will likely need some strengthening to stand up to NFL defenders. There’s a lot to like about Solder, though, especially if he isn’t required to start from Day 1 with the Patriots; he could be a very good lineman if given time to develop.

The Patriots also have enough picks in the 2011 NFL Draft to spend some taking chances. Solder certainly counts as taking a chance.

For more on Nate Solder and Patriots that selected him, visit Pats Pulpit, SB Nation’s Team Name blog.

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