With the 17th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft the New England Patriots have selected offensive tackle Nate Solder from Colorado.

With the impending free agency of 33 year old left tackle Matt Light, the New England Patriots took a tackle to soften the loss. Solder will likely play on the right hand side of the offensive line during his rookie season as Sebastien Vollmer will likely shift to the left if Light doesn't return. The Patriots may bring Light back because Solder does need some development early in his career.

The biggest knock on Solder is his fluidity but his mixture of quick feet and size made him the Patriots' first overall choice.