Ole Miss defensive tackle is one of the prospects heading to the 2025 NFL Draft. Yesterday, he announced he would be attending the Senior Bowl, which starts at the end of the month, and the draft media is excited.
Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen is incredibly slippery and explosive for his size. Rare ability to kick out to end on passing down to rush the passer, but I think he has big potential as a 3 tech in an even front.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 8, 2025
Get your popcorn ready for his one on ones!
pic.twitter.com/yny9nfbtPu https://t.co/o6ui1ilTPj
Most have Walter Nolen as the DT2 behind Michigan's Mason Graham. The media draft analysts have been dropping mock drafts, with Nolen being selected at the back end of the first round. However, he could go higher, with a good performance at the Senior Bowl.
Break-out season in year three at Ole Miss for Nolen
After two seasons at Texas A&M, Walter Nolen transferred to Ole Miss in the 2024 pre-season. Despite being a five-star prospect, he didn't hit his heights with the Aggies. Just one year with the Rebels, and he has shown the world his true abilities.
""Walter Nolen is a strong, powerful, and versatile interior defensive lineman who can be a reliable run-stopper while also providing high-level reps as a pass rusher.""Keith Sanchez of the Draft Network
In his 2024 season with the Rebels, he made Ole Miss the No.1 best defense against the run, allowing only 85.1 rushing yards per game. He also recorded 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two pass deflections, all career-high stats.
#OleMiss iDL Walter Nolen has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. One of the most impressive prospects that I saw while out on the scouting trail this year. pic.twitter.com/NAAvk8Mxwy
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 16, 2024
Nolen is one of three defensive players from Ole Miss who could be selected in the first round of the NFL draft this year. The Rebels have never had more than three players selected in the opening round, but they could equal that this year.
It would be a surprise to see Nolen selected outside the first round, with the mock drafts suggesting the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles select Nolen. It's still three months away, so expect things to change before then.