A 6-foot-7 lineman who didn't allow a sack in his final college season at West Virginia and has bounced between three NFL practice squads since.
Doug Nester is a massive offensive guard who started his college career at Virginia Tech before finishing it at West Virginia. The Kenova, West Virginia native has spent his early NFL years cycling through practice squads with the Vikings and Steelers, most recently signing a reserve/future contract with Pittsburgh.
Path to the league
Nester began his college career at Virginia Tech before transferring to West Virginia, where he started in 52 of 57 total collegiate games and moved from right guard to right tackle for his redshirt senior season, not allowing a sack that fall. He went undrafted in 2024 and signed with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Steelers' practice squad.
Career highlights
Nester's college resume is defined by durability and versatility, having logged snaps at multiple offensive line spots across two Power Five programs. His clean pass-protection season at right tackle as a senior helped him land his first NFL opportunities.
2025 season recap
Nester spent the 2024 season on Pittsburgh's practice squad and was re-signed to a future contract in January 2025, but he struggled during the preseason and was released in the Steelers' initial round of roster cuts.
Sources
- WBOY: Former WVU offensive lineman Doug Nester to sign with Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad
- Steelers.com: Doug Nester
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Guard
- Group
- offense
- College
- West Virginia
- Hometown
- Kenova, WV, USA
- Age
- 26
- Status
- active
