Walter Nolen Reportedly 'Looks Like a Round 1 Lock' in 2025 NFL Draft amid Rumors

Walter Nolen appears to have solidified himself as a Day 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Matt Miller of ESPN reported that a "strong predraft process" has teams viewing Nolen as a "Round 1 lock" and someone who could make his way inside the top 20 picks.

"Of the hundreds of players who went through pro day workouts, the most rave reviews I've heard are for Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen," Miller wrote. "Following a strong predraft process, people from some teams now tell me Nolen looks like a Round 1 lock and a potential top-20 player. Ranked No. 20 on my final board, Nolen is the best pure pass rusher in the defensive tackle group. Teams in the middle of the first round like Arizona, Cincinnati and Atlanta could all be targets for him."

Nolen is rated as the No. 14 overall player and No. 2 defensive lineman in the draft class by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department. He registered 48 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries in 2024 for the Ole Miss Rebels. He was named an All-American for his efforts.

B/R's latest mock draft projected Nolen to land with the Houston Texans at No. 25 overall.