The 2025 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Walter Nolen NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Defensive Lineman
School: Ole Miss
Size: 6-foot-4, 296 pounds
Class: Junior
2024 stats: 48 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries
Nolen was a five-star prospect in the class of 2022, who signed with Texas A&M out of Tennessee. As a freshman, Nolen tallied 29 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack. His play helped the Aggies win five games that season. In 2023, Nolen upped his production by tallying 37 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks. He aided Texas A&M in winning seven games that season. For the 2024 season, Nolen transferred to Ole Miss. He was productive with 49 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. His play led the Rebels to 10 wins that season.
Following the season, Nolen declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first-round pick.
Nolen is a good athlete for an interior defensive lineman. He shows a quick first step at the snap of the ball, which helps him create havoc early in a play. His quickness extends into real movement ability, as he has good speed, but also can change direction well. He has solid flexibility, which he is able to use to his advantage.
Not all interior defensive linemen can play all three downs, but Nolen has that potential. He can hold up on running plays, showing a good ability to shoot gaps and pursue the ball. His pass rushing is a product of his athleticism and strength, but he was productive enough in college to think that he can stay on the field for all situations.
He plays hard. Nolen’s motor starts at the snap, but he keeps it going until the play is finished. He has shown the ability to pursue ball carriers that run far away from him. Nolen also shows good secondary effort on his pass rush, making sure to continue to work toward the quarterback. With his athletic talent and motor skills, the sky is the limit in his professional career.
Nolen has a solid frame, but could fill it out a bit more. He is 6-foot-4 and 296 pounds, but could add weight, which will help him hold up on the interior from a strength standpoint. Nolen also has just 32 1/2 inch arms, which will put him at a disadvantage against a lot of NFL offensive linemen and could make it harder to shed.
Right now, he wins as a pass rusher because of his athleticism, strength and effort. He needs to add more pass rush moves and counters to help him win. Nolen can also have a better pass rush plan going into plays. He already has had some production as a pass rusher, but he can improve in this area by refining his moves and plan.
He can shoot gaps and elude blocks, but can do a better job of shedding, specifically against the run. Nolen can improve his hand usage and placement to help him shed quicker, as he has is already at a disadvantage with his length. He has strong hands, but keeping them inside can maximize their value and help him shed.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Draft Grade: First Round Pick
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