from Boston:
The Patriots selected Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder with the No. 17 pick in the NFL draft.
At 6-8 and 319 pounds, Solder fills a gap for the Patriots with uncertainty on the offensive line. He's a converted tight end and a three-year starter on the line, allowing just five sacks in that time span.
This last year he was a consensus All-American as Colorado's starting left tackle. He was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy and a unanimous All-Big 12 Conference first-team choice. He also received the Zack Jordan Award as Colorado's most valuable player. The 23-year old is from Buena Vista, Colo.
Some of his stats from the last year:
- He led the Big 12 with a 94.3 percent grade for blocking consistency, the highest grade by a Colorado blocker since All-American Andre Gurode in 2001.
- Led the nation with 142 knockdowns.
- Produced 10 touchdown-resulting blocks.
- Allowed just one sack in the season.
- Allowed only three pressures in the season.
- Flagged for only one penalty in 2010.
A couple of notes on Solder from Pro Football Weekly:
- He has outstanding feet, moving much like (you guessed it) a tight end.
- Excellent second level blocker, getting downfield and able to hit moving targets.
- He's hardworking and coachable.
- Plays too upright.
- Lacks base strength.
- Struggled in one-on-one team drills at Senior Bowl.
Looks awesome to me.
Also from Boston:
The Patriots traded its No. 28 pick in the NFL draft to the New Orleans Saints for two later picks.
The Patriots give the Saints their No. 28 in the first round for the Saints' second round pick (No. 56 overall) and a first round pick in 2012.
The Saints selected Alabama running back Mark Ingram with the pick. With the trade, that should be the end of the Patriots' day in the draft.
Now, the Patriots have five picks tomorrow in the second and third rounds. The Nos. 33 (from Carolina), 56 (from New Orleans), 60, 74 (from Minnesota) and 92.
