I actually had him in the only mock draft I did that season – only I had him 33rd overall, not at 17. I really liked him, they must’ve loved him.
Here’s what I wrote about him in that:
33. Nate Solder (T): Solder would greatly benefit from a year with Dante Scarnecchia, and if he could have the kind of rookie year Sebastian Vollmer did where he’s eased in a bit, he’d be well prepared to be an eventual starter on whichever side he’s more comfortable. With him and Vollmer as the bookends of the future the Patriots offensive line would be intimidatingly huge. As a former tight end he has the foot skills necessary to get out and block the slip screens that the Patriots love to run. There might be greater needs but being able to take a talented player like Solder before the true need for a tackle has arrived is a huge luxury.
