Denver Broncos are showing interest in a player whose draft stock is starting to fall the closer we get to the 2025 NFL Draft
Around this time of the year, the rumors start to fly. And, as unfortunate as it is, some players really start to see their draft stock plummet, oftentimes for no reason. Then, other teams, like the Denver Broncos, get to pounce on those players.That is what could happen in the 2025 NFL Draft for not […]
Around this time of the year, the rumors start to fly. And, as unfortunate as it is, some players really start to see their draft stock plummet, oftentimes for no reason. Then, other teams, like the Denver Broncos, get to pounce on those players.
That is what could happen in the 2025 NFL Draft for not just the Broncos, but even the teams picking last, like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. This class is loaded with some really solid talent, and some of these players are going to fall lower than where they should be — the Broncos can't be a team that passes on a player that could change their franchise of he falls that far down.
That player, at this very moment, seems to be Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen, who is being rumored to have a bad work ethic. Now, whether that is true or not is a different discussion, but the Broncos wanted to get to the truth. So, they had him in person for a visit.
Denver Broncos meet with Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen
Walter Nolen, a five-star recruit and the No. 1 prospect in the 2022 class per ESPN, starred at Powell High School, recording 17 sacks and 33 tackles for loss as a senior while winning a state title. After two years at Texas A&M, where he started 14 games and had five sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, Nolen transferred to Ole Miss in 2024.
There, he earned Consensus All-American honors with 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries, leading the nation’s best rush defense. And, when you look at who was on that defensive line with him, it makes sense why his numbers have been a bit down over the year.
At 6’4” and 296 pounds, Nolen is explosive and powerful. His quickness, strong hands, and versatility make him ideal as a three-technique or 4i-technique in the NFL. He led SEC defensive linemen with 12 tackles for loss in conference play in 2024, but needs to improve pass-rush moves and play lower.
Nolen helped Ole Miss set school records with 52 sacks and 120 tackles for loss in 2024, earning All-SEC and Outland Trophy finalist honors. Projected as a first- or second-round pick, he’s visited teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49ers.
And while the Broncos did meet with him, it doesn't mean that's who they will be drafting, or even that they are targeting that player. Instead, it's just about learning about the player and his personality more. And, now they know more about Nolen than they already did.
