The Dallas Cowboys need to address their interior defensive line after allowing the fourth-most rushing yards and the most rushing touchdowns last year. Their depth beyond Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas is also thin. Because of this, the Cowboys could address their defensive interior either on Day 1 or 2 of the upcoming draft.
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Dallas Cowboys hosting elite defensive tackle prospect
According to Aaron Wilson, the Cowboys hosted Mississippi Rebels’ defensive tackle, Walter Nolen, for a Top-30 visit on Friday. Nolen is considered an elite prospect because he is excellent against the run and can also effectively rush the passer. Many analysts have mocked him as a mid-first-round pick.
Ole Miss @OleMissFB consensus All-American defensive tackle Walter Nolen visiting #Cowboys today, per a league source. @AggieFootball transfer had 14 tackles for losses, 6.5 sacks last season, 91.7 run-stop grade, first in SEC, fifth nationally #NFLDraft2025 @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/p005NMotbj
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 4, 2025
He had a great lone season with Ole Miss
After spending the first two years of his college career with the Texas A&M Aggies, Walter Nolen transferred to the Mississippi Rebels for the 2024 season. Nolen had a great lone season with Ole Miss, recording 48 tackles, 14 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks in 13 games, which earned him a First Team All-SEC and All-American selection. He also posted 35 pressures, a 10.9% pass rush win rate, 26 run stops, and an 11.9% run stop rate, ranking 8th in pressures, 20th in pass rush win rate, 5th in stops, and 3rd in run stop rate among qualified defensive linemen who played at least 50% of snaps.
Here’s Lance Zierlein‘s scouting report on Walter Nolen
“Nolen has NFL-starting size but won’t blow you away with his physical traits. However, he gains quick advantages with his explosiveness into contact and ability to beat up blockers when singled up. He has the athletic talent to play into gaps but needs to play with better hands to keep himself clean at the point of attack.
“He wins as a rusher with his athleticism and play strength, and doesn’t need to be schemed for. The pass rush still requires refinement, but he already flashes quick-win moves that foreshadow good pressure and sack production as a pro. Nolen’s blend of explosiveness and playmaking talent create high upside as a three-down interior lineman.”
Zierlein predicts that Nolen will become a Year 1 starter.
