Bengals Hosting Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen for Pre-Draft Visit
The Cincinnati Bengals are set to host Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen for a pre-draft visit this week, per Aaron Wilson. Nolen also has visits lined up with the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys.
A Consensus All-American and First Team All-SEC selection, Nolen put together a standout season with 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He wasn’t just disruptive in the backfield — Pro Football Focus also graded him as the top run-stopping interior defender in the SEC.
Nolen ranks No. 26 on ESPN’s big board and No. 23 on PFF’s, and he’s been a frequent projection to Cincinnati in recent mock drafts. That’s not surprising, given the Bengals’ defensive struggles in 2024. Outside of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, the unit had difficulty generating consistent pressure. A player like Nolen, who can collapse the pocket or shoot gaps with quickness, would be a valuable asset — especially in a division and conference loaded with elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson.
Nolen brings explosive burst off the snap and thrives when facing single blockers. He’s strong, athletic, and has rare physical tools. While he still needs to polish his pass-rushing technique, his natural ability gives him the upside of a true three-down player at the next level.
Cincinnati’s defensive tackle room already includes last year’s Day 2 picks Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson, both of whom are expected to take on larger roles in 2025. The team also added veteran nose tackle T.J. Slaton on a two-year, $14.1 million deal. If they manage to extend Hendrickson, they’ll have a solid core up front — but adding Nolen could elevate the group to another level, offering depth, disruption, and durability as part of a strong rotational unit.
As the draft approaches, it’s clear Cincinnati is doing its homework. Nolen could be a big piece of the puzzle.
What’s your take on Walter Nolen? Could he be the missing link for the Bengals’ D-line? Let us know.
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