Walter Nolen — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0
Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will track where Ole Miss Rebels cornerback Walter Nolen appears in the latest NFL mock drafts.
Walter Nolen NFL Mock Drafts
Here are some of the latest mock drafts in which Nolen has appeared:
No. 11 overall — San Francisco 49ers
With the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, San Francisco needs to re-invest in its interior defensive line to return to the glory years. Walter Nolen is one of the most talented in this class.
No. 17 overall — Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals simply need to address their leakiness against the run this offseason, and that begins up the spine of their defense. Nolen is another athletic defensive tackle in this class that is especially disruptive on defensive twists and games. He still has to harness his ability to impact plays more consistently, but he can create edginess and explosive plays for a defense that desperately needs it.
No. 23 overall — Green Bay Packers
Nolen, the second-ranked prospect overall behind Travis Hunter in the 2022 recruiting cycle, had his best season in his first with Ole Miss, finishing with 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2024. He has the traits and quickness to be a disruptive presence next to Kenny Clark in the middle of Green Bay's defensive line.
No. 31 overall — Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia is loaded full of big contracts and the team is set to see DL Milton Williams hit free agency this spring. If they are unable to secure a new deal, drafting Walter Nolen to take his reps would give the Eagles another disruptive interior presence on the front to help keep this team loaded with disruptive talent. Nolen is one of the most explosive interior players in the class and Howie loves to add his pass rushers in the draft.
No. 17 overall — Cincinnati Bengals
Nolen is a dynamic interior disruptor. He would be a key part of a turnaround under new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden.
No. 31 overall — Kansas City Chiefs
No, Chris Jones isn't going anywhere. But he could use more help alongside him on the interior in Kansas City. Nolen has strong hands and can pressure the QB from inside with his quickness. He had 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2024. Nolen would give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo yet another difference-maker to heat up the pocket.
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