The 2025 NFL Draft is upon us, and so is your need to be prepared for all of tomorrow’s stars. Dive into our spotlight on Walter Nolen, featuring his scouting report, strengths and weaknesses, his recent draft projection, and where all the experts predict he could land.
Walter Nolen’s NFL Draft Scouting Report
Walter Nolen is an athletic 3-technique defensive tackle, which is a valuable asset in today’s NFL. Combine that with his leap in production in 2024 and his top-notch pedigree, and it’s not hard to see why many are high on him entering the NFL.
Although he’s only 21 years old, Nolen has shown improvement as a technician. He still has more development to undergo, but the arrow is trending up, and he gives coaches an elite talent to work with. At 6’3″, 296 pounds, with over 33″ arms, Nolen’s power profile is spectacular, and his hyper-elite explosive capacity enables him to function as a battering ram when exerting power in both phases.
His pad level can drift high at times, but his raw power can be difficult for blockers to hold at bay in either phase. Gifted young prospects with production at a Power Four level simply don’t often fall out of the first round.
Walter Nolen’s NFL Draft Projection
In CSN’s 7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft from April 12, Nolen landed in Round 1 with the 22nd overall pick. James Fragoza has this to say:
Walter Nolen brings versatility to the defensive front—able to play multiple positions and bolster the Chargers’ line alongside stars like Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. His knack for disrupting both the run and pass game makes him a strong Round 1 candidate.
And in CSN’s recent 3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Brian Burden had this to say about Nolen’s selection to the Cincinnati Bengals in Round 1 with the 17th pick:
Walter Nolen had a banner season with the Rebels after transferring from the Texas A&M Aggies, earning All-American status after posting personal bests of 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
A host of defensive names will start popping up for several teams between now and the end of the first round. With Sam Hubbard retiring this offseason, Cincinnati has been linked with several edge players, tackles, and linebackers in this draft slot. Nolen could come in and aid All-Pro Trey Hendrickson on the line right away.
2025 NFL Draft Landing Spots for Walter Nolen
Here are other potential landing spots that have found their way in recent mock drafts:
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Buffalo Bills
Walter Nolen’s NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6036
- Weight: 296 pounds
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- School: Ole Miss
- Arm: 3248
- Hand: 948
Note: Nolen did not participate in the NFL Combine drills.
Walter Nolen’s College Stats
Career:
- Games: 35
- Solo Tackles: 62
- Assists: 52
- TFL: 26
- Sacks: 11.5
- PBU: 4
- FR: 3
- FF: 1
2024:
- Games: 13
- Solo Tackles: 25
- Assists: 23
- TFL: 14
- Sacks: 6.5
- PBU: 3
- FR: 2
- FF: 0
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