The 2011 NFL draft is right around the corner and SB Nation’s Ralphie Report has the full run down on OT Nate Solder, who could be a first round pick. Check out Ralphie Report for more on Colorado football.
2011 NFL Draft: OT Nate Solder, Colorado
Bio: Left tackle | 6’8”, 319 pounds | Colorado
Projected NFL position: He’s projected at left tackle. Will fit most offensive schemes due to his athletic ability to get downfield in run blocking (best 10 yard split among offensive lineman at the combine - 1.63 seconds) and drop into pass protection.
A story you may not know: The 6’8” OT actually started his collegiate career as a tight end. He came to Colorado weighing 245 pounds. After his redshirt freshman year where he played in all 13 games and started four as a tight end, the coaches asked him to add weight and switch to offensive tackle. He added 30 pounds before his sophomore season in an attempt to make the position change. Colorado coaches saw Nate’s ability to block as a tight end and thought he would be a natural fit on the offensive line. At the time, many believe he would have to work his sophomore year on developing the proper footwork to play offensive tackle and at the earliest, we wouldn’t see him on the field until his junior year. But due to Nate’s athleticism, he started every game as a sophomore at tackle, a rather amazing feat. That is the skill NFL scouts are looking at when they talk about Solder’s potential. He has only been an offensive tackle for three years but has all of the intangibles to succeed at the next level.
NFL comparison: He compares himself to Jon Ogden
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