Nate Solder drafted by New England

Former Colorado All-American left tackle Nate Solder was selected by the New England Patriots tonight in the first round of the NFL draft as the 17th overall pick. Solder is the first Colorado player taken in the first round of the draft since 2003.

Nate Solder became the 23rd player in CU history to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft following a stellar senior season in terms of his personal performance

Solder was named the Offensive Lineman of the Year in the Big 12 Conference and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy

Solder is the fifth CU offensive lineman to be drafted in the first round in the history of the program He is only the third CU offensive tackle to become a first-round pick joining Mark Koncar in 1976 and Stan Brock in 1980

Only 13 other players in CU history have been drafted earlier than Solder, who will be charged with protecting the blindside for, perhaps, the best quarterback in the game in Tom Brady

Former CU cornerback Jimmy Smith could be drafted later tonight before the end of the first round