2011 NFL Draft Grades: New England Patriots First Round Report Card
The New England Patriots were the only team to enter the 2011 NFL draft with two first-round picks. They used the 17th pick on Colorado Buffaloes left tackle Nate Solder, and traded the 28th pick to the New Orleands Saints (redeemed for Mark Ingram) for a second-round pick (56th overall) this year and a first-round pick in 2012.
It was a classic Bill Belichick first round, getting a solid player with great potential and a great fit for the Patriots system. They were also able to add value in the draft with the 28th pick by picking up a second-rounder and a first-rounder for next year.
But how, exactly, do they fare in my class? Let's take a look.
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Round 1, Pick 17: Nate Solder, OT Colorado
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As usual, this pick is met with a fair share of "that guy?" reactions from the northeast. It wasn't exactly the dream pick everyone had in mind when rumors cropped up Thursday afternoon of a potential trade up.
Most of the top defensive prospects were already off the board when the Patriots finally got on the clock. Cameron Jordan and Prince Amukamara were the only two defensive prospects worth a look at 17. Even with a five-technique defensive end staring them in the face, the Patriots went with an offensive tackle.
Still, it was a sound pick. Nate Solder has the physical tools to make a big impact in the future.
He was a blocking tight end in 2008, and converted to offensive tackle in '09. As such, he is still somewhat of a raw prospect. He still plays with that same light-footed style of play that he used as a tight end, and will be a tremendous contributor on slip screens and plays where he's asked to get to the next level.
Dante Scarnecchia spoke to Patriots fans at the annual draft party at Gillette Stadium, and said, "For a guy who's 6'8", [Solder] can really move his body and change directions very well. He can really bend his knees and stay up underneath people. He exhibits really good punch in the running game...we feel the liabilities he shows at times in pass protection are things that can be fixed, that he can fix and is willing to fix."
In a recent article, ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss heaps praise on Solder. Reiss cites that Solder played in all but two offensive plays since the start of his sophomore season, and only allowed five sacks on 1,400 passing plays.
Grade: A-
Round 1, Pick 28: Traded to New Orleans Saints for 56th and 2012 1st Round Pick
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Saying the magic phrase "don't be surprised" may be a draft prep no-no, but I think it's safe to say that no one should be surprised if Belichick makes moves like this all the way into his final year as head coach, and maybe even in his final year.
Belichick is always fighting to stay a step ahead of the competition, and with this trade, he sets himself up with two first-round choices for next year and picks up a second-round pick this year.
The Saints could be a good team, a great team, even a Super Bowl contending team in 2011. If the Saints' 2012 first-round pick is any higher than 29, though, the trade should be considered great value.
Of course, some fans were less than thrilled with the move. One said, "I feel like there was enough talent, especially in the front seven, to make a second pick. They could have had Cameron Heyward or one of those defensive end outside linebackers, but maybe we'll get one at 33."
Perhaps that was part of the driving force behind the trade. Belichick knew he still had the trump card of 33, and at this point, he must feel pretty good about his options at the pick. With guys like Brooks Reed, Jabaal Sheard, Aaron Williams, Brandon Harris and others still on the board, the Patriots could drastically improve their defense with that 33rd pick.
Or they could trade down again. Who knows?
Arjuna thinks they should go after Da'Quan Bowers with that 33rd pick. "Even if you only get five years out of him, he'd be worth the pick in the second round just for what he can add to the pass rush." It's hard to argue with him, but it's important to note that 31 teams have already passed on Bowers once, and perhaps with good reason. His knee could be in worse shape than we all thought.
One thing is for certain: there are plenty of options to be had with that 33rd overall pick, and the Patriots will explore every last one of them over the next 20 hours.
All things considered, and even out of the context of the Patriots holding the 33rd pick, the Patriots received great value for the 28th pick by adding a second-round pick.
Grade: A
Overall
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It wasn't a sexy first round, but it was sound in every way. Belichick picked up a solid prospect to help the Patriots into the future, and picked up value for his second first-round pick by adding a second-round pick and another first-round pick in next year's draft.
John Dickinson said he feels the Solder pick signals the end of the road for Matt Light. I'm not so sure. It's unlikely he'll get the top deal he's seeking elsewhere, and he might have to take a home town discount and stay with the Patriots. Even if he doesn't, the Patriots may want to keep him around for a year as a mentor to Solder. Dante Scarnecchia mentioned in his speech to the fans that Solder has some work to do in pass protection. That makes Light an ideal candidate to coach him up.
The initial reaction will be one of surprise and uncertainty, but when fans realize what a solid prospect the Patriots have in Solder going forward, it will be looked back on as a good selection.
Overall: A
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Looking Ahead
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The Patriots have three picks in the second round. There are still some needs to address, especially at defensive end and outside linebacker. One could argue that another cornerback or safety could be on the radar, with a large group of middlings on the roster aside from a couple of stand-outs.
Here are just a few prospects to have your eyes on:
Brooks Reed, DE/OLB Arizona: Last year, it was Rob Gronkowski who got the alma mater love from former Patriots legend Tedy Bruschi. This year, that guy is Brooks Reed. What he brings to the outside linebacker spot is a great deal of pass rush potency, physicality in setting the edge, and an intensity that's currently missing from the Patriots defense.
Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB Pittsburgh: See the description for Reed, but add to that the fact that Mike Reiss called Sheard a more complete prospect than Reed at a draft talk Q&A session at Patriots Place last week. The question mark on Sheard is the arrest on his record. He came clean on that, though, and hasn't had another incident since.
Brandon Harris, CB Miami: Could the Patriots go after another second-round cornerback? Belichick values playmakers in the defensive secondary pretty high. He figures you can never have enough of them, because the direction the league has taken is so heavily predicated on passing that even a third cornerback can be like a starter. Harris is a physical presence at CB that could step in and be a nickel corner from day one.
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