Nick Broeker discusses added value of transition to guard

Nick Broeker spend the majority of his playing career as an offensive tackle. In fact, for Ole Miss, he started his career as the Rebels’ starting left tackle as a true freshman in 2019 — splitting starts with senior Michael Howard. Unfortunately, that does not appear to be the position he will play at the next level. Due to concerns about his arm length, Broeker will likely switch from offensive tackle to interior offensive lineman in the NFL. And while that may be discouraging for some, the former Rebel believes that transition has added value to his draft status.

At Ole Miss’ pro-day, Broeker was one of a handful of players to discuss how his pre-draft process has been going. He, along with wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, gave some insight into how things are going for them as they prepare for the next level.

“I think doing that was a really good decision for me. I think it helped a lot for me, and coming out here snapping today as well. So I think I’ve really been putting my best foot forward,” said Broeker.

“Just a lot of positives. They really like the transition for me, going from tackle to guard,” said Broeker on the reception he’s getting from NFL franchises after the switch. “So having that tackle background, a lot of versatility, a lot of intelligence. So, so far, it’s been really positive feedback.”

The shift is not a complete surprise for Broeker. Last season, after starting three straight years at tackle, he switched to offensive guard. And that switch went well for him as he was named the winner of the Kent Hull Trophy: the trophy for the best college offensive lineman in the state of Mississippi.

Mingo details pre-draft interviews and training at the Ole Miss pro-day

The process of turning pro and heading to the NFL can be complicated. As a potential draft prospect, you must keep yourself in top shape while managing a rigorous schedule of interviews with NFL franchises looking to acquire your services. And Mingo is learning that firsthand. At the Rebels pro day, Mingo detailed his pre-draft experience, highlighting the number of interviews he’s doing and where he has been training.

“I went to EXOs in Arizona. I know AJ (Brown), DK (Metcalf), and Elijah (Moore) went out there, and they had pretty good results,” said Mingo. “And they liked the staff out there, so I thought it was the right decision for me.”

Mingo is fully aware of his situation and the opportunity he has been presented with. He is also aware that there is a vast difference in how he must handle the draft process versus things at the collegiate level. So when it comes to the question of what teams he’s talked to and where he would like to be next season, Mingo is doing all he can to ensure that all options are on the table.

“A lot of teams. But I don’t really dial into which team is talking to me the most because, at the end of the day, I can’t decide where I go. It’s not like college. So, I’ve been taking a lot of visits. I got a lot of visits after this, and I be doing a lot of Zooms. So, I’m just talking to each team, showing them I know football and what I can bring to the table.”