With The 9th Pick In The 2011 Stampede Blue Community Mock Draft, The Dallas Cowboys Select...

Nate Solder - OT, Colorado

Pick made by Addai Another Aday:

There were a lot of ways the Cowboys can go with their first pick. They have big needs on both offensive and defensive lines, as well as cornerback and safety. With Dareus, Peterson, and Amukamara gone, it came down to Cam Jordan or Nate Solder. I went with Solder because of Tony Romo getting injured. I think that protecting the QB that he just signed to a big contract will drive Jerry Jones to go with the big OT from Colorado. In a division with Trent Cole, Brian Orakpo, and the Giants D-line, OTs are at a premium.

On paper, the Cowboys should have on of the most explosive offenses in the league, with playmakers like Bryant, Witten, Austin, Barber, Jones, and Choice. Not one of the 3 running backs went over 1000 yards last season. Complicating things further was QB Tony Romo going down with injury. Jerry Jones loves big offensive lineman, and Solder definitely fits that way of thinking. Solder can come in and start at either tackle spot from day one. Which side of the line he plays on depends not on him, but on a competition between Colombo and Free. Solder would be an upgrade over either player.

If Solder is taken 9th overall, it'll be the first time since 1981 that the Cowboys have taken an OT in the first round (Howard Richards).  Also, it'll be the first Colorado OL taken in the first round since 1997, when Chris Naeole was taken 10th overall by the Saints.

Nate Solder Scouting Report from Mocking the Draft

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