Let's continue our look at 2011 NFL Draft prospects who might interest the New York Giants with a look at one of the highly-regarded offensive tackles who should go in the first round this April. Today, we take a look at 6-foot-9 Colorado tackle Nate Solder, a player who right now looks like a guy who could go somewhere around the time the Giants pick in the first round (19th overall).
There are several tackles expected to go in the first round. Admittedly, if I have ever seen this kid play I didn't pay any attention. One thing I like from the scouting reports, though, is that the guy is considered to have the ability to handle speed off the edge, a must with some of the defensive ends the Giants play against.
Nate Solder
OT, Colorado
6-foot-9, 315 pounds
Scouting Reports
From Draft Countdown:
Strengths:
-- Great size w/ huge frame, long arms and large hands
-- Extremely quick and agile with outstanding balance
-- Excels in pass protection and can protect the edge
-- Lots of experience but still has considerable upside
Weaknesses:
-- Is not very strong or powerful and has a narrow base
-- Not stout at point of attack and struggles to anchor
-- Not really a finisher and could be more aggressive
-- Still raw and will have to refine / polish technique
-- Must continue to add weight and develop physically
Overall:
Rare physical specimen at the position who reportedly has less than 10 percent body fat --- A finesse blocker who looks like an early first round pick on paper --- Has all the potential in the world and the tools to develop into a stud left tackle at the next level but is not yet a finished product.
From Sideline Scouting:
Positives: Extremely athletic... Intelligent, heady... Good agility... Good length and long arms... Excellent speed, quick feet... Good pass blocker... Good run blocker... Very solid drive blocker... Carries his pads well... Solid strength... Can coil up and generate reasonably good power... Does a good job staying on his blocks.
Negatives: Footwork needs a little work... Rises too early in pass protection... Will occasionally lean and overextend... Gets beat by good inside moves... Will allow his technique and footwork to get sloppy... Gets too upright when run blocking... Not especially strong at POA... Needs to add some bulk to rangy and over-tall frame.
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