New England Patriots
Nate Solder - #77 - T
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 8"/ 320 lbs. |
| Birthday | 04/12/1988 |
| Birthplace | Denver, CO |
| College | Colorado |
| Years played | 3 |
| Drafted | 2011, 1st round, 17th pick by Patriots |
Patriots content with edge rushers heading into free agency
In addition to Jermaine Cunningham, who will be counted on to step up in his second season, DE-OLB Eric Moore could be one of the reasons the Patriots can feel comfortable standing pat during free agency.
Giants set to hire Izzo as assistant coach
The Giants are set to hire former NFL LB and special-teams standout Larry Izzo as an assistant special-teams coach, according to Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Great offenses successfully overcoming poor 'D'
The 2010 Patriots had the league's best record despite boasting a poor defense. This is part of a recent trend that begs the question, can QB Matt Schaub and the Texans finally break through?
AFC East best bets to break through in 2011
PFW identifies four players from the AFC East who are ready for coming-out parties in 2011 (clockwise from left) — Roscoe Parrish, Sean Smith, Shonn Greene and Patrick Chung.
Chung talks workouts, Belichick as he preps for 2011
Patriots SS Patrick Chung concluded his first full year starting and is preparing for what could be a breakout season in 2011.
Former Patriots LB Addison dies
Former Patriots LB Tom Addison died Tuesday at the age of 75. He is a member of the Patriots' 1960s all-decade team.
Patriots of 2007, Heat faced similar fan obstacles
With some celebrating the Miami Heat losing in the NBA Finals, the feeling reminds associate editor Eli Kaberon of the Patriots' loss in Super Bowl XLII.
McGinest not exploring a return to NFL
Former Patriots and Browns OLB Willie McGinest appeared to be interested in returning to the NFL after three years of retirement, but said Saturday that he plans to stay retired.
Kraft expresses optimism about talks
Patriots owner Robert Kraft, one of the most influential owners in the current labor negotiations, told reporters Thursday that the two sides are "making progress."
Million-dollar backfield? Cardinals sure hope so
The Cardinals' four-headed backfield of Beanie Wells, Ryan Williams, Tim Hightower and LaRod Stephens-Howling might not be such a bad idea after all.
Faulk attends workout despite uncertain future
Veteran RB Kevin Faulk, who is coming off a torn ACL, attended the Patriots' player-organized workouts, despite being a free agent. If he's re-signed, he will be fighting for a roster spot in 2011.
Lockout limbo: Patriots report
The Patriots don't have a lot to worry about during the lockout but would be more at ease if they knew who was starting on the left side of the offensive line.
Patriots believe Dowling could improve third-down 'D'
The Patriots believe that second-round CB Ras-I Dowling, a physical corner with good ball skills, could help the pass defense improve on third down.
Report: Belichick is highest-paid coach in sports
Patriots coach Bill Belichick is the highest-paid coach in professional sports, according to Forbes.
Belichick: "We're turning our attention to training camp"
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told the Boston Herald his staff is focused on training camp instead of OTAs and normal offseason work.
PLAYER NEWS
Solder, a first-round draft pick out of Colorado, has been impressive in training camp and preseason for the Patriots. Now, with starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer missing practice again Friday and expected to be sidelined for Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins, Solder figures to move from his usual left tackle position to the right side.|||||||
Solder says he is ready for the challenge, although "I don't know exactly what's been going on with that (Vollmer's injury), but I'm going to play wherever they need me to play."
Solder has signed with New England and joined the Patriots at training camp.|||||||
Coach Bill Belichick said Thursday that the Solder deal was done and the 319-pound offensive lineman would be practicing with the team in the afternoon. Solder was a first-team All-American last year at Colorado and started in 36 games during his college career, including four as a tight end. He is the last of New England's first six picks to sign.
The Patriots used the 17th pick on Thursday night on Nate Solder, a first-team All-America player last year who lined up for every offensive snap for Colorado as a senior. They had taken another 6-foot-8 tackle, Sebastian Vollmer, two years ago and he started every game for them last season. And Matt Light has been the starting left tackle the past 10 seasons.|||||||
Solder missed just two snaps in his last three seasons at left tackle where he protected the quarterback's blind side. He never played the right side in college, and coach Bill Belichick said he will be a left tackle in the NFL. "There's a lot of things he'll have to improve on. He's a smart kid, a hard worker," Belichick said. "For a big guy, he moves very well."
