Nate Solder Scouting Report

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