Round 2, Pick 39: DT/NT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss / 6’3, 293 LBS
Many will argue the Bears should double down here at the offensive line, and I wouldn’t be mad if they did. However, you take the best available if the prospect is undeniably better, and in my simulation, defensive tackle Walter Nolen certainly was.
Nolen is another player whose stock is rising with increased acceleration, and on tape, he is truly a tank at the defensive tackle position. He transferred from Texas A&M to Ole Miss in 2024, where he made a real name for himself racking up 6.5 sacks and 14 TFLs. He’s just as good in run defense as in pass and can line up anywhere from 0-5 technique.
Take a look at these clips below. As Nate mentioned, Nolen is a game-wrecker on the inside and is super disruptive in all defensive situations. The Bears could use another high-motored stud.
Walter Nolen (#2 @OleMissFB) is a game wrecker on the inside. Disruptive as both a run stopper and pass rusher.
Strength. Power. Body control. Hand use. Motor. Competitiveness.
It's all there.Look at how much he displaces the LT on the first play 👀#NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/u5SRT9aLO0
— Nathan Cooper (@ncoopdraft) February 20, 2025
Nolen also shined in the Senior Bowl and, since then, has been a hot target for DT-needy teams in the 2025 NFL Draft. Putting him next to Gervon Dexter could solidify this Chicago Bears front for years to come. If they went DT this early, they’d have to address the pass rush in free agency, which I see being a likely outcome as the off-season progresses.
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