One of the most experienced offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, West Virginia interior offensive lineman Doug Nester departs college football after playing in 53 career games between stints with the Mountaineers and Virginia. Previously a guard, Nester moved to right tackle this past season. Teams will appreciate that versatility.
Nester recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his week-long appearance at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl, playing both guard and tackle positions, which NFL teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You recently participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl. What do you think you proved to NFL scouts and decision-makers in attendance?
Doug Nester: My biggest thing was that I played through the majority of the 2023 season with an injury. I wanted to showcase that I’ve improved a lot as a player despite the injury hampering me at times during our schedule. I think I went out there and showed that I’m a better player at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
JM: You moved to right tackle this past season after playing a bunch of guard in previous years. What was that transition like?
Doug Nester: Playing tackle is a lot more difficult. There’s a lot more space between you and the defender. That’s one of the biggest adjustments a guard has to get used to when making the move the tackle. You’re on more of an island and face more one-on-one matchups.
That’s the biggest thing when making that transition. Getting the timing of your strike down in pass protection takes a lot of repetition. That was probably my biggest area of adjustment during the season.
JM: Which of the two positions are you most comfortable playing moving forward?
Doug Nester: I’ll probably play an interior position at the next level. That’s where I spent the majority of the time in college before I made the move to right tackle this past season. I did that to help the team.
JM: That’s fair. You previously played at Virginia Tech before transferring to West Virginia. How do you reflect on that decision?
Doug Nester: I still think it was the best decision I could have made. I was actually thinking about it and reflecting on the decision the other day. I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’m very thankful to have had the opportunity to play at WVU.
I actually played this past season with a few of my high school teammates, guys I grew up with since I was six years old. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
JM: That’s awesome. Which NFL teams did you meet with extensively at the Shrine Bowl?
Doug Nester: I really enjoyed meeting with all of the teams. It was actually my second interview process because I attended the Hula Bowl as well.
As I try to narrow that down, I had some really good meetings with the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Green Bay Packers. I also enjoyed my time with the Houston Texans at the Hula Bowl. Those were some of the standout interviews.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. How would you write your own scouting report? What’s at the forefront of Doug Nester’s physical skill set?
Doug Nester: I’d highlight my ability to move defenders off the ball in the run game. That’s one of my biggest strengths. I’ve gotten a lot better in pass protection when playing as an interior offensive lineman. I showed that down at the Shrine Bowl.
You can’t write a scouting report without being honest about your areas of improvement. My hand placement needs to get better. I can also do a better job playing with consistently low pad level.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their 2024 NFL Draft picks on Doug Nester?
Doug Nester: I started 53 career games in college. It’s tough to find that experience. My work ethic speaks for itself. I’ve gotten better every single year. I’ve moved around and played multiple positions as needed.
I’m somebody that can come in and compete at multiple positions.
