Draft Geek Debate: Nate Solder

Nolan Vasan (NV): So, I believe that Nate Solder is pretty overrated, and I would not draft him at any point to play left tackle for my team. You disagree, how so?

Brian Johannes (BJ): I can understand why you may be hesitent about Solder. However, we have to look at what he is. He is a very athletic tackle that is still learning the position. He has a ton of potential and has gotten better each year.

(NV) I just have so much concern about him possibly being too tall and below average arm length. Its just when you are so tall (6-9), and you have short arms, it becomes very hard to engage people and get down to their level.

(BJ): I don't disagree that his arm length was disappointing, but its not like he has T-Rex arms. He has longer arms than Anthony Castanzo and Gabe Carimi who are only 1 inch shorter than him. I beleive his atheltic ability will help him make up for his arm length.

(NV): Jonathan Ogden and Orlando Pace were about the same height, but the reason they were so successful was that they were so athletic. I know Solder is athletic, but he isn't nearly at the level of those guys.

(BJ): Oh by all means I don't beleive he is on the same level as Pace or Ogden. But I just feel that he is the clear-cut #1 Left Tackle, as this years class is pretty weak at tackle.

(NV): I disagree. I also really doubt his ability to handle speed rushers to the outside. I have seen him go against top speed rushers and he hasn't done very well. Anybody who can bend well and can maintain speed (Ala Von Miller) he has had/will have trouble with.

(BJ): Speed rushers seem to be the ones that give Solder the most issues, but thats seems to be more because of his technique. Lets not forget that he came to Colorado as a TE. I also was not impressed with Colorado's coaching staff. Solder works hard and is a fast learner. Put him with an NFL line coach and I think he will instantly get better.

(NV): I don't believe that ability to quickly engage speed rushers is something that can be coached.

(BJ): I think it can with some technique. His footwork was really off this season, and I beleive that can be fixed.

(NV): I am also concerned that despite his size, he doesn't have good strength. At the combine he only put up 21 reps. The lowest for any O-Lineman was 20.

(BJ): Yeah that wasn't the greatest performance. However I didn't look for him to put up huge numbers. I'm anxious to see how he does on his pro day. But Solder isn't known for being a physcial mauler. He does a good job of using his size to engulf defenders. And in every game that I've seen, whenever Solder locks onto a defender, its game over. So he might not have great "tested" out great, but he seems to have good football strength.

(NV): I also believe that he doesn't have the greatest balance and seems to carry his pads very high.

(BJ): I don't see that as much as you do. I see somebody that is still learning, and is going to have moments where he gets off balance, but he can fix that with some footwork and coaching.
When it comes to his run blocking I see a player that stays low and can fire off the ball and does a great job of getting to the next level.

(NV): So you would be comfortable leaving him on an island with no help for 90% of plays? Which is expected of most NFL Left Tackles.

(BJ): Day 1...no. But give a year...yes. I don't think he is going to dominate, I beleive he is giong to be a very good tackle who should be able to make it to a couple of pro bowls. I don't think he is a future All Pro, but I see a guy that is going to have a good career in the NFL and be a starting LT in the league for many years. I think a good comparison might be Jordan Gross from Carolina. Gross is a very good tackle in the NFL, but I wouldn't say he is going to be a future hall of famer

(NV): I hear you. I guess its his potential where we disagree. While I think he will be just a solid right tackle, and I wouldn't trust him on the left side, you believe that he will be a very good left tackle.

(NV): Well thats all for this edition of "Draft Geek" debate. I feel like a total nerd doing this, arguing about arm length, and pad level, but it does matter and makes a difference. Anyway, I look forward to our next debate.