Walter Nolen, an Ole Miss standout, is predicted to be selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the most recent NFL mock draft.

Walter Nolen, an Ole Miss Standout, Predicted to Be Selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the Most Recent NFL Mock Draft

The NFL draft is a moment of immense anticipation for fans, coaches, and analysts alike. Every year, teams eagerly eye college prospects who could potentially transform their rosters. For the Dallas Cowboys, a franchise with a storied history of talent acquisition, their focus is on finding players who can make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball. As the 2025 draft approaches, one name that has been increasingly linked with the Cowboys is defensive tackle Walter Nolen from Ole Miss, a standout on one of the toughest college football teams in the nation.

Nolen, a force in the trenches for Ole Miss, has been gaining widespread attention as one of the top defensive prospects for the upcoming draft. His blend of size, speed, and explosive power makes him an attractive target for any team looking to bolster their defensive line, and the Dallas Cowboys are no exception. In the most recent NFL mock draft, Nolen is projected to be the Cowboys’ first-round selection. In this piece, we’ll delve into why Nolen is such an appealing prospect for Dallas, how he fits into their defensive system, and what his addition could mean for the future of the Cowboys.

Walter Nolen’s Rise to Prominence at Ole Miss

Walter Nolen’s path to being one of the most sought-after defensive players in college football began with his high school career, where he was a dominant presence in both the defensive and offensive lines. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Nolen was a consensus five-star recruit and widely regarded as one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the country. His combination of athleticism, size, and skill caught the attention of nearly every major college program.

Choosing Ole Miss as his college destination, Nolen immediately made an impact on the field. Known for his quick first step, explosiveness off the ball, and relentless motor, Nolen became a nightmare for opposing offenses. In his freshman year, he quickly adjusted to the speed and complexity of SEC football, earning a starting spot and immediately drawing attention for his ability to collapse the pocket. His impact was felt on every snap, as Nolen was able to disrupt plays both in the run game and in pass rush situations.

By his sophomore season, Nolen had solidified his status as one of the best defensive linemen in college football. He continued to be a key figure in Ole Miss’ defense, dominating the line of scrimmage with his physicality and technique. Whether it was stuffing the run, pressuring the quarterback, or disrupting passing lanes, Nolen showed that he could do it all. Scouts began to see him as a top-tier prospect, and by the time the 2025 NFL Draft cycle began, it became clear that Nolen was poised to be a top-10 selection.

What Makes Walter Nolen So Special?

To understand why Nolen is generating so much buzz as a top draft pick, it’s essential to break down the aspects of his game that make him stand out as a defensive tackle.

1. Size and Athleticism

Nolen’s physical profile is one of his most enticing traits. Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at approximately 325 pounds, he has the ideal size for an interior defensive lineman in the NFL. However, what sets Nolen apart is his rare combination of size and athleticism. Despite his impressive frame, he possesses elite quickness and burst off the ball, something that is not commonly seen in a player of his size. His ability to explode from his stance and move laterally with agility gives him an advantage in both pass rush and run defense.

2. Versatility in the Trench

One of Nolen’s greatest assets is his versatility. He is not just a run stuffer or a pocket pusher—he is capable of excelling in both areas. Whether it’s rushing the passer or occupying blockers to free up teammates, Nolen’s skill set allows him to impact a game in multiple ways. His ability to shift between a three-technique defensive tackle and a nose tackle gives defensive coordinators flexibility in how they deploy him.

In passing situations, Nolen’s explosiveness enables him to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm. His initial burst and hand usage allow him to penetrate into the backfield, often causing quarterbacks to adjust their throwing mechanics or force hurried decisions. At the same time, his size and strength make him an immovable force in the run game. He can clog running lanes, shed blockers, and prevent ball carriers from reaching the second level. The combination of his strength and quickness makes him a rare talent on the defensive line.

3. Motor and Intensity

Another element of Nolen’s game that cannot be overlooked is his relentless motor. It’s not just his physical ability that makes him an elite defensive tackle, but also his tireless effort on every play. Nolen’s non-stop pursuit of the football, combined with his drive to outwork his opponents, is a key reason why he stands out from other defensive line prospects. His relentless effort keeps him in plays longer than many other players, and he often succeeds in making tackles even when the ball has already moved beyond the line of scrimmage.

Why the Dallas Cowboys Are Interested

For the Cowboys, adding a player like Nolen would be a huge boost to their already strong defense. Dallas has made tremendous strides on defense over the past few seasons, primarily due to standout performances from players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs. However, the defensive line has often been a point of concern. While players like DeMarcus Lawrence and others have provided consistent pressure on the quarterback, the Cowboys have occasionally lacked the interior presence needed to disrupt the pocket and dominate the trenches consistently.

Nolen would immediately upgrade the Cowboys’ defensive line, providing them with a game-changing interior presence. His ability to pressure the quarterback from the interior would complement the pass rush from the edge, allowing Dallas to apply constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In today’s NFL, where teams are increasingly focused on the passing game, being able to generate interior pressure is crucial to a defense’s success.

1. A Perfect Fit for Dan Quinn’s Scheme

Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is known for his aggressive, attacking style of defense. He loves to send pressure from all areas of the field, including the interior of the defensive line. Nolen’s ability to rush the passer from the middle, collapse the pocket, and make quarterbacks uncomfortable would be a perfect fit in Quinn’s scheme. His versatility would also allow Quinn to get creative with how he deploys his defensive line, giving him the flexibility to use different line combinations and alignments to confuse offensive lines.

Quinn has a history of working with dynamic defensive tackles, including his time with the Seattle Seahawks, where he helped develop standout defensive players like Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. Adding a player like Nolen to the Cowboys’ defense would allow Quinn to maximize his defensive scheme and continue to build one of the NFL’s most formidable defenses.

2. The Need for a Dominant Interior Force

While Dallas’ pass rush has been a strong point over the past few seasons, the Cowboys have struggled to find a consistent interior pass rusher. Having a player like Nolen who can disrupt the pocket from the inside would alleviate some of the pressure from the edge rushers, giving them more one-on-one opportunities. Additionally, Nolen’s presence on early downs would make it easier for the Cowboys to stop the run, forcing opponents into predictable passing situations. This would allow Quinn to dial up more exotic pressures, knowing that the interior of the line is being held down by a dominant force like Nolen.

3. Depth and Long-Term Success

One of the most appealing aspects of drafting Nolen is the depth he would add to the Cowboys’ defensive line for the long term. While Lawrence and others have been effective, their careers are winding down, and the need to build a strong, young defensive line for the future is becoming more pressing. Nolen is the type of player who can anchor the defensive line for years to come, allowing the Cowboys to continue their defensive success without a dramatic drop-off once their current players age or depart.

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 Super Bowl Window

With the addition of a talent like Nolen, the Cowboys’ Super Bowl window becomes even more clear. The team is built around a top-tier defense, and with players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and now potentially Nolen, the Cowboys could have one of the most dynamic defensive units in the NFL. The defense would have the ability to pressure quarterbacks from all angles, create turnovers, and stifle the run game. This would give the Cowboys’ offense—led by Dak Prescott—a much-needed advantage, as they could play with a lead more often, allowing the offense to stay balanced and avoid putting too much pressure on Prescott to carry the team.

In addition to improving the defense, drafting Nolen would signal to the rest of the league that the Cowboys are committed to building a roster capable of competing for championships in the near future. Nolen’s addition would solidify Dallas’ status as a Super Bowl contender for the 2025 season and beyond.