Nate Solder Scouting Report

Nate Solder spent a couple years as a tight end at Colorado, first as a redshirt in 2006 and then as a freshman in 2007. He played in all 13 games in 2007 (mostly on special teams, and in special situations as a blocking tight end). While he certainly spent most of his time blocking, he did catch three passes for 50 yards on the season. For his sophomore campaign Solder added 30 pounds and was moved to the tackle position. Despite the adding of the weight, Solder remained surprisingly quick and has been timed running a 4.8 40-yard dash.

Solder immediately stepped into the starting role at left tackle and did not miss a snap the entire 2008 season. While there was some time needed to adjust to the position, it was a pretty smooth transition since he spent most of his time blocking as a tight end anyway. The 2009 season continued to cement Solder's status as a superb offensive tackle. For his efforts, Solder was the only offensive lineman who was not a senior to make the All-Big 12 First-Team. That led to many preseason accolades heading into the 2010 season and Solder has been a rock in the offensive line and continues to get bigger and stronger.

Solder has everything one could want from an offensive lineman. He is strong and quick and has gone up against some of the nation's best defensive ends in the Big 12. A talent like his will not fall past the first two rounds of the draft.

2/10 Update: Solder has even worked up way into consideration for the first offensive tackle taken in the draft. After a superb showing during practice leading up to the Senior Bowl, Solder has put most doubts about him to rest. There may be a few minor issues, but they are fixable by coaching. His size and strength are way too impressive for him to fall out of the first round.

4/6 Update: Solder's stock is slipping a little bit as the draft draws near. His upside is huge, both figuratively and literally, but many are starting to question if he can consistently handle power rushers who have more speed than he was used to going up against in college. That is more of a natural pull back from the height of Solder's potential that he put on display at the NFL combine than anything else. The other thing not going in Solder's favor is the emergence of tackles like Tyron Smith. Solder could be a great tackle in the league for a long time and he should not fall past the first round, but he will not be the first tackle taken either.