Nick

Broeker

Broeker was active for the Texans in three games in 2023 and nine games in 2024, bouncing between the Steelers and Cowboys this offseason. He’ll be a candidate for a practice-squad spot as teams look to shore up their offensive lines. The Cowboys also let go of: DT Denzel Daxon, WR Josh Kelly, TE Tyler Neville , CB Troy Pride, TE John Stephens Jr. and CB Christian Matthew.

Broeker will likely compete for a noteworthy backup role in the Cowboys’ banged-up offensive line group. He spent most of last season operating as a special teams blocker with the Texans. The team correspondingly released OT Dakoda Shepley.

With just nine offensive snaps to his name through two NFL seasons, Broeker will likely be competing for a roster spot this summer. He earned a 62.4 PFF special teams grade last year, logging 42 special teams snaps, 40 of which as a member of the field goal and extra point blocking unit. The Steelers waived C Lecitus Smith in a corresponding move.

Broeker has logged nine total snaps since the Texans drafted him in the seventh round back in 2023. He may find a spot on a practice squad this summer. Broeker earned a 46.3 PFF offense grade on six snaps in 2024.

Broeker (6'4/305) was a 3-star recruit, and the 35th-ranked offensive tackle, from Springfield, Illinois in the 2019 recruiting class, according to 247 Sports. offensive tackles will often transition to guard in the NFL due to a lack of athleticism or missing physical traits. Broeker made this change in college. While this process has been clearly difficult, with the remnants of the outside skills remaining and becoming a weakness inside, Broeker’s strengths are also highlighted in close quarters. Though he may be liable for a few holding penalties at the next level, Broeker allowed no sacks in 2022. The tenacity to pursue a body leverage win is a trademark to his game. He quickly gets to the second level, as exemplified by his explosive 88th percentile 10-yard split, and will put Linebackers on skates to spring his Running Back. His offensive tackle skills mean that he is actually better at keeping his feet than one might expect from a career guard. This is also apparent when he begins a play uncovered as he will be patient and pick his spots when looking for work. Despite moving from a high-profile position to one that is slightly less-heralded, Broeker racked up many accolades including All-SEC and midseason All-American honors from multiple outlets. He has many positive traits that remind me a bit of former Western Kentucky Lineman Forrest Lamp.

Broeker (6'6/283) adds to Ole Miss’ 15th ranked recruiting class in 2019. He is ranked as the No. 96 overall tackle in the country and in addition to Mississippi he was deciding between Michigan State, Kentucky, Missouri, and Minnesota.