Nate Solder

Height: 6’8
Weight: 315
College: Colorado
40 Time: 4.90
Class: Senior
Stock: Down
Projected: 3rd Round

Overview:

Nate Solder is widely regarded as one of the best OT’s in college football. He has shot up draft boards and some draft sites have him rated as a 1st rounder. I must be out of the loop because when I turn on the tape of Solder, he really doesn’t impress me. He is athletic but he struggles to play with a good pad level because he is 6’8. He is outmatched by speed-rushers who easily blow by him and turn the corner. I can’t even imagine what NFL players would do to him. I can’t grade him any higher than a 3rd rounder, because right now he is nothing more than a developmental prospect that could start down the road.

Scouting Report:

Positives

- Great size
- Outstanding athlete
- Gets into his stance quickly
- Good run blocker
- Moves well in space
- Does a good job of getting to the 2nd level
- Can hit people in space because of his athleticism
- Doesn’t bend at the waist
- Seals the edge and is also a good down blocker
- Good potential

Negatives

- Needs to get stronger
- Doesn’t have quick feet to stick with speed-rushers
- Will get to deep and is susceptible to counter/inside moves that he struggles with
- Plays with poor leverage
- Gets bull-rushed too much because of his pad level and lack of strength
- Lacks a mean punch
- Poor use of his hands and struggles to stay engaged at times
- Will get called for holding quite a bit
- May be best suited as a RT only

Skills:
1-poor, 2-weak, 3-above average, 4-very good, 5-elite

Strength: 2.0
Pass Blocking: 2.5
Run Blocking: 3.0
Footwork: 2.5
Technique: 2.5
Mobility: 4.0
Mean Streak: 3.0
Pro Potential: 3.5