From General Manager Diesel Dan: Since Bill Polian joined the Colts, he has only select 3 OTs in the team's 103 draft picks; however, after publicly criticizing the offensive line, Polian will finally address this area of need. Solder will fill a hole at LT and allow Charlie Johnson to move to Guard, his natural position.
Solder, who switched from TE to OT after his freshman season, is extremely athletic and has the length and strength to be an excellent LT. Solder won the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year award, as well as multiple All-American honors. He is also extremely durable, playing every snap his sophomore and senior seasons, allowing only 1 sack each year, and starting every game his junior season. Some scouts are concerned that Solder has a relatively slight frame, but the Colts believe that his frame has the potential of adding another 15-20 pounds of muscle in addition to the 60 since moving to LT in 2008. Solder still has work to do in a few areas; however, he will make an immediate impact and will hopefully become the bookend LT the Colts need.
