50 best players in the AFC East
By Brian Miller
Nate Solder
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots tackle Nate Solder (77) in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nate Solder joined the New England Patriots as a first round pick in 2011, 17th overall. He started 13 of the teams 16 games playing both right tackle, left tackle, and as a tackle eligible tight end. He was one of the highest rated offensive lineman.
Following the retirement of Matt Light, Solder became the starting left tackle in 2012. He played 1,234 snaps, the most that season by any NFL lineman.
Solder caught his first NFL pass in 2014’s AFC Championship game that resulted in a touchdown. After being diagnosed with testicular cancer he started all 16 games for the Patriots last season and has become one of the most consistent left tackles in the NFL. He has 60 starts in 63 games he has appeared in.
2× AFC Champion (2011, 2014)
PFW & SN All-Rookie (2011)
First-team All-Big 12 (2009, 2010)
Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year (2010)
Consensus All-American (2010)