The Green Bay Packers are looking for more strength on their defensive line, and a new mock draft on NFL.com suggests they could find it. NFL Network analyst Cynthia Frelund selected Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen with the 23rd pick overall.
Frelund highlighted Nolen’s impressive traits, such as his burst and ability to consistently disrupt both the run and pass game. However, she noted that Nolen’s aggressive playing style could be exploited if he isn’t in the right system.
Devonte Wyatt, a former Packers first-round pick, thrived in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s system when healthy, and Nolen could be a good fit as well. The Packers have questions at defensive tackle after Kenny Clark’s disappointing season and with TJ Slaton heading into free agency.
Nolen played two seasons at Texas A&M before transferring to Ole Miss for 2024. In his first season there, he earned first-team All-American honors with 6.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 48 tackles, and three passes defensed. He also impressed at the Senior Bowl.
At 6-foot-3 and 293 pounds, Nolen’s burst and twitch for his size stand out, though NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah noted that he still needs to improve his ability to finish plays. Nolen has high expectations for himself, claiming to be the “next Aaron Donald.”
His Ole Miss defensive coordinator, Pete Golding, compared Nolen to Quinnen Williams, whom he coached at Alabama, praising his versatility, hand strength, and ability to excel in both the run and pass game.
Nolen earned top rankings in pass-rush win rate and run-stop percentage from Pro Football Focus. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked him 20th overall but raised concerns about his game’s consistency. Jeremiah placed him 26th. Frelund believes that with the right fit, Nolen could become one of the draft’s top performers.
Nolen was a five-star recruit and All-American at Powell High School, where he was named USA Today’s High School Defensive Football Player of the Year. He was introduced to football by his father at age 3, with a love for the sport’s physicality. He admires players like Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack for their speed and intensity.
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