"To no one's surprise, the Patriots pulled off another NFL draft surprise. With the 17th overall selection, they didn't trade down (yet) or pick a coveted pass-rusher. Instead, they selected a player at a position most pundits ignored. The Pats nabbed Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder with their first pick in the first round, grabbing a player with a high ceiling who they hope will protect quarterback Tom Brady for years. "I think Tom Brady is a great quarterback," Solder said, "and I'm looking forward to the privilege of playing for the Patriots." In doing so, the Patriots eschewed several talented defensive players still on the board at Radio City Music Hall, while allowing Alabama running back Mark Ingram to fall past them. At that point, the Patriots traded out of the first round, handing Ingram to the Saints with the 28th pick and taking New Orleans' 56th pick this year and first rounder for 2012. It was a classic Bill Belichick move, giving the Pats three second-round picks and two third-rounders tonight." Read more: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/patriots/view/2011_0429league_tells_teams_to_open_doors/
