Walter Nolen DT Ole Miss | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Walter Nolen DT Ole Miss
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
SUB-POSITION: NT/DT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 12/02/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.95 seconds (82%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Age: 21.1 DOB: 10/14/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SUB-POSITION: NT/DT | |
Last Updated: 12/02/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2025 | |
40 time: 4.95 seconds (82%*) | |
Age: 21.1 DOB: 10/14/2003 | |
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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Overall Rating: | 85.6 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
Offense Rating: |
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80% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
Tackling: |
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76% |
Pass Rush: |
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76% |
Run Defense: |
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94% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Mid
Overall Rank:
#18
Position rank:
#5
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College Games: 34 College Snaps: 1205 | ||
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Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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Levi Onwuzurike - Washington |
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82% |
Devonte Wyatt - Georgia |
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80% |
Ruke Orhorhoro - Clemson |
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77% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Walter Nolen, a former five-star recruit from Powell High School in Tennessee, began his college career at Texas A&M before transferring to Ole Miss. As a high school senior, Nolen racked up impressive numbers: 93 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, and 27 quarterback hurries. His performance led Powell to a 13-2 record and a Class 5A state championship.
In his freshman year at Texas A&M (2022), Nolen played in 10 games, making four starts. He recorded 29 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. His efforts earned him the defensive Top Newcomer award at the team's annual banquet. Nolen's sophomore season (2023) saw significant improvement, as he appeared in all 12 games, starting 10. He tallied 37 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks, tying for third on the team in sacks. His standout performance was recognized with the Defensive Trenches Award.
Before his college career, Nolen was a 2022 Under Armour All-American and ranked as the No. 2 overall recruit in his class. He showcased his versatility by playing at multiple high schools, including a stint at Olive Branch High in Mississippi, where he helped lead the team to a 9-4 record and the second round of the Mississippi 6A playoffs in 2019.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Explosive first step off the snap, allowing quick penetration into the backfield
- Versatile defender capable of lining up anywhere from 0-tech to edge rusher
- Powerful hands with the ability to stack and shed blockers effectively
- Excellent lateral agility for his size, enabling him to redirect and pursue ball carriers
- Strong bull rush, consistently pushing the pocket and collapsing running lanes
- High motor player who generates pressure on second and third efforts
- Solid run defender with the strength to maintain gap integrity
- Flashes potential for advanced pass rush moves, including chops and rips
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Inconsistent pad level can lead to losing leverage against offensive linemen
- Pass rush plan needs refinement beyond initial power moves
- Can struggle to maintain balance when driving forward with power
- Occasionally late off the snap, losing the initial contact battle
- Needs to improve hand placement and technique for more consistent results
Scouting Report: Summary
Walter Nolen enters the NFL draft as a blue-chip prospect with the potential to be a day-one impact player. His combination of first-step explosiveness, raw power, and alignment versatility projects well to the pro level. Nolen has the tools to be a three-technique disruptor in a 4-3 or a five-technique anchor in a 3-4 scheme, giving defensive coordinators a chess piece to exploit mismatches along the line.
While Nolen's physical traits jump off the tape, his technique and consistency need polishing. NFL offensive linemen will test his pad level and leverage, areas where he's shown flashes but lacks down-to-down reliability. His pass rush plan beyond the bull rush requires expansion, but his natural bend and lateral quickness suggest untapped potential as an interior pressure creator. Coaches will aim to harness Nolen's motor and refine his hand usage to maximize his effectiveness against both the run and pass.
Expect Nolen to make an immediate splash in run defense, where his ability to stack and shed blockers will translate quickly. His development as a pass rusher will likely determine his ceiling at the next level. If Nolen can marry his physical gifts with improved technique and a diverse rush repertoire, he has Pro Bowl upside. While he may not dominate statistically in year one, Nolen's presence should boost his team's defensive front and create opportunities for edge rushers to feast. With proper coaching and development, Nolen could emerge as a foundational piece for an NFL defense within his first contract.
Written By:
Wyatt Brooks (SEC)
How other scouting services rate Walter Nolen (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.