2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen

The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we've got you covered with in-depth scouting reports on all of the top prospects at every position in this year's class.

Here's everything you need to know about Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen heading into the 2025 draft:

Vitals

Height: 6-4

Weight: 296

Age: 21

Strengths

It doesn’t take long watching Nolen’s film to see the talent that made him a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He brings a strong balance of power and athleticism, with impressive explosiveness and movement skills for a 300-pounder. That combination allows him to win reps any way he needs to, and he’s shown the ability to use both strength and speed to win against both the run and pass. He’s effective at translating his power from his lower body through his hands, and his quickness allows Nolen to fly by would-be blockers, whether he’s 1-on-1 or slicing through attempted double-teams.

Weaknesses

Nolen still needs a wide range of technical improvements, starting with his leverage. His pad level comes in too high at times, making it too easy for his opponent to win the low-man battle. The same goes for his hand usage, as he can be too slow to engage and control his man, letting the blocker get into his chest and move him off his spot. While he’s proven he can win as a pass rusher with both speed and power, he needs to develop his counter game, as he can struggle to win if his initial move is thwarted.

Updated 2025 NFL Draft Rankings By Position

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | EDGE | Interior DL | LB | CB | S

Final Analysis

Nolen’s talent is off the charts, which gives him limitless upside at the next level. He’s got some boom-or-bust to his projection because of the refinement that’s still required if he wants to reach that lofty ceiling, but any NFL team that’s confident in their defensive coaching staff will want to get his raw ability in the building and figure out the rest later. His physical traits alone are worth first-round consideration.

Current Projection: 1st Round