Colorado Buffaloes offensive tackle Nate Solder and cornerback Jimmy Smith likely sealed their spots in the first round of the April NFL draft with their performances at the Combine, which isn't surprising. Now the question is how high either will go.
In SB Nation's latest 2011 NFL Mock Draft, Solder is drafted higher, going No. 17 overall to the Patriots. Galliford correctly sees an opening in New England with that line in flux right now. Solder could also be in play at No. 13 with the Detroit Lions. In this mock, Detroit goes with a different tackle, USC's Tyron Smith. Solder and Smith will fight it out to be the top tackle taken in the draft.
Jimmy Smith, meanwhile, has been seen as the third-best cornerback in this draft behind LSU's Patrick Peterson and Nebraska's Prince Amukamara. The Ravens at No. 26 nab Smith as the third cornerback taken in the first round. The Ravens' secondary has always been one of the best and adding Smith here will help bolster it. It appears that the Lions are worried over Smith's character issues and will bypass him at No. 13.