Walter Nolen, the dominant defensive tackle from Ole Miss, is poised to be one of the top interior defensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 305 pounds, Nolen possesses an impressive blend of size, strength, and athleticism that has NFL scouts salivating.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
College Career
Nolen’s college journey has been marked by steady improvement and a notable transfer. After two seasons at Texas A&M, where he showed flashes of his potential, Nolen transferred to Ole Miss for his junior year in 2024. This move proved transformative for his draft stock.
At Ole Miss, Nolen’s production exploded. He led all FBS defensive tackles with 14 tackles for loss and recorded career highs with 48 total tackles and 6.5 sacks. His contributions were instrumental in Ole Miss setting a school record with 52 sacks, the highest mark in the nation. Nolen’s dominant performance earned him consensus first-team All-American honors, cementing his status as one of college football’s elite defenders.
Strengths
Explosiveness: Nolen’s first-step quickness is elite for his size. He consistently beats offensive linemen off the snap, allowing him to disrupt plays in the backfield.
Power: With his impressive strength, Nolen effectively utilizes a bull rush to overpower offensive linemen. His ability to anchor against double teams in run defense is particularly noteworthy.
Versatility: While primarily projected as a 3-technique defensive tackle, Nolen has shown the ability to line up at various positions along the defensive line.
Run Defense: Nolen earned an elite 91.6 run-defense grade in 2024, showcasing his ability to be a dominant force against the run.
Football IQ: His ability to diagnose plays quickly and react accordingly demonstrates a high level of football intelligence.
Weaknesses
Consistency: While Nolen’s motor runs hot, there have been questions about his consistency from play to play.
Hand Usage: He needs to refine his hand technique to more effectively disengage from blocks.
Pad Level: Nolen sometimes plays with high pad level, which can negate his natural leverage advantage.
Character Concerns: There have been some questions about Nolen’s work ethic and character, though these seem to have been mitigated by his performance at Ole Miss.
NFL Projection
Nolen is projected to be a late first-round or early second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of physical tools, production against top-tier competition, and potential for further development make him an attractive prospect for teams in need of interior defensive line help.
Teams like the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions could be strong fits in the first round, while the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys might target him if he falls to the second round. However, a strong performance at the NFL Combine could solidify his status as a first-round selection.
Nolen’s best fit at the NFL level will likely be as a disruptive 3-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme. His ability to penetrate and create havoc in the backfield aligns well with the increasing emphasis on interior pass rush in the NFL.
Comparison and Outlook
Nolen’s playing style and physical attributes draw comparisons to some of the NFL’s top interior defensive linemen. His combination of power and explosiveness is reminiscent of players like Chris Jones or a young Fletcher Cox.
While Nolen may need some refinement in his technique, particularly in hand usage and maintaining consistent pad level, his physical tools and production suggest he has the potential to develop into an impact player at the next level. His ability to be effective against both the run and pass makes him a valuable three-down player in today’s NFL.
Conclusion
Walter Nolen enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most intriguing defensive tackle prospects. His dominant junior season at Ole Miss, coupled with his impressive physical attributes, have positioned him as a likely first-round selection.
While there are areas for improvement in his game, Nolen’s potential to be a disruptive force on the interior of an NFL defensive line is undeniable. His combination of size, strength, and explosiveness gives him a high ceiling as a professional player.
As the draft approaches, Nolen’s performance at the NFL Combine and in pre-draft interviews will be crucial in determining his final draft position. If he can allay any lingering concerns about his character and demonstrate the same level of dominance he showed in his final college season, Nolen could hear his name called early on draft night and become an immediate contributor for an NFL defense.
