The 2023 NFL Draft class is deep and talented on both sides of the ball, including the offensive line, where Ole Miss G Nick Broeker is a name to keep in mind as we hit the later rounds and into Day 3 as a boost to an offensive line’s depth.
While most of the conversation has been focused on the top names in the class, what does Broeker’s scouting report suggest about his NFL draft stock?
Nick Broeker NFL Draft Profile
A three-year starter on the left side of the offensive line for the Ole Miss Rebels, Broeker was a four-star prospect coming out of Sacred Heart-Griffin. Ranked the No. 3 prospect in Illinois and the No. 31 offensive tackle in the nation, Broeker was an instant-impact player in 2019, appearing in all 12 games as a true freshman at left tackle and allowing just one sack in 213 pass-blocking reps.
After being named a true freshman All-American by 247Sports, Broeker started every game for the Rebels at left tackle and allowed just two sacks in 2020. He barely missed any reps in 2021 and allowed just two sacks in his 13 starts as he saw his name appear on the Outland Trophy Watch List.
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A senior in 2022, Broeker had his best season yet for Ole Miss. Moving from left tackle to guard, he did not allow a single sack all year in route to a First-Team All-SEC selection, All-American accolades, and winning the 2022 Kent Hull Trophy for the best offensive lineman in the state of Mississippi.
In total, Broeker played on 1,667 passing downs and allowed only 13 QB hits, seven sacks, and drew 21 penalties. At 6’4″ and 305 pounds, there are some questions about whether or not Broeker will play tackle or guard, primarily due to his arm length of 32 1/2 inches. However, to answer that question, we need to dive deeper into his scouting profile to see where Broeker’s strengths and areas for improvement lie.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Nick Broeker
Strengths: Smart, fundamentally sound offensive lineman who has seen action at both left tackle and guard. Sets with a wide base, bends his knees, and stays square. Fires into blocks, effectively uses his hands, and anchors in pass protection or seals defenders from plays. Possesses outstanding awareness and blocking vision. Quick to the second level and redirects to linebackers in motion.
Weaknesses: Overextends on occasion. Doesn’t get much movement run blocking. Possesses short arms. Not a super athlete.
Overall: Broeker is durable, tough, and intelligent. He’s not super athletic, but he’s polished and offers scheme versatility at the next level.
Nick Broeker Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 305
- Arm Length: 32 1/2″
- Hand Size: 9 3/4″
- Bench Press: DNP
Ole Miss G Nick Broeker Current Draft Projection
The 2023 NFL draft has a great prospect class if you need to improve the offensive line, specifically at guard and tackle. While the likes of Peter Skoronski and Paris Johnson Jr. dominate the headlines, there is undoubtedly plenty of value in the middle rounds.
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With most of the focus on the higher-ranked prospects, Broeker could wait a while before his name is called. Currently, Broeker is the 11th-ranked guard on Tony Pauline’s Big Board and is the No. 176-ranked player with a grade of 3.42, placing his draft projection around the fifth round.
Perhaps keeping Broeker inside will help mask some of the issues he saw when faced with speed and overall athleticism. He does have plenty of development traits that can be worked on and improve into a fill-in capable guard, but he will need to catch on quickly as his projected draft capital could leave him fighting for one of the final roster spots as the 2023 season draws closer.