One of the most intriguing defensive linemen to watch at the NFL Combine is Ole Miss’s Walter Nolen. His impressive skill set makes him a likely candidate to be one of the top testers among defensive linemen. However, he will also need to convince NFL teams that he possesses the character they want in their locker room.
This past season, Nolen made a smart move by transferring from Texas A&M to Ole Miss, where he had the best season of his college career. As a 2024 All-American, he led all FBS defensive tackles with 14 tackles for loss and recorded career highs with 48 total tackles and 6.5 sacks. His contributions played a key role in Ole Miss setting a school record with 52 sacks, the highest mark in the nation. While he proved to be a disruptive force as a pass rusher, his biggest impact may have been against the run, earning an elite 91.6 run-defense grade—second only to Mason Graham, a projected top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Highest Graded SEC Defensive Tackle:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 31, 2024
💪 Walter Nolen, Ole Miss: 84.7@OleMissFB pic.twitter.com/g6RxALzkpf
When evaluating how his game translates to the NFL, Nolen has several positives working in his favor. His explosiveness off the ball makes him a legitimate threat both as a pass rusher and a run defender. He is expected to put up strong numbers in speed-based drills at the Combine, particularly in the 40-yard dash and pro agility tests.
In addition to his speed, Nolen also boasts impressive strength. As a pass rusher, he effectively utilizes a bull rush to overpower offensive linemen, and his power makes him difficult to move off the ball in run defense. His ability to anchor and hold his ground against double teams is another aspect of his game that will appeal to NFL scouts.
"Nobody questions how talented he is and how hard he plays. Super twitched up and really explosive."NFC scout to NFL.com
However, there are concerns that could cause Nolen to slide down draft boards. His character and work ethic have been questioned, particularly regarding his motor and consistency on the field. Additionally, he needs to refine certain technical aspects of his game. He struggles to disengage from blocks due to inconsistent hand usage and sometimes allows linemen to get into his body, making it difficult to shed blocks. He also needs to play with better pad level to maximize his leverage.
NFL teams that make sense for Nolen
In terms of draft projection, Nolen is expected to be selected in the late first or early second round. Teams such as the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions could be strong fits in the first round, while the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys may look to snag him if he falls to the second round. However, if he delivers an outstanding performance at the Combine, the Cowboys might consider him worthy of their first-round pick.
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Overall, Nolen has all the tools to develop into an impact player at the next level. His blend of explosiveness, strength, and playmaking ability gives him a high ceiling as a starting defensive tackle.