Bill Parcells liked to draft big players based on what he laughingly called his "Planet Theory" -- that there were very few truly large guys on the planet capable of playing in the NFL.

Bill Belichick used his own version of that premise Thursday in drafting 6-8, 319-pound left tackle Nate Solder, an all-American at Colorado, with the 17th choice overall in the first round.

"There aren't many people that size, with that kind of athletic ability, roaming around," he said.

"Nate's a player we've been on for a long time. He's been a solid left tackle for Colorado. There certainly are a lot of areas where he needs to improve, but he's a hard-working, intelligent kid.

"He was a three-sport athlete in high school. You can definitely see Nate's athleticism.

"His position is the one he's been playing. He's played left tackle. That will be his position in the NFL."