“Red Hot Riser” in Draft Could Be Gone for Vikings
The 2025 NFL Draft is less than 12 hours away, and onlookers will learn the Minnesota Vikings’ draft plan after about three months of deliberation.
“Red Hot Riser” in Draft Could Be Gone for Vikings
The team, equipped with only four picks, is expected to target a defensive tackle, safety, offensive guard, or cornerback late in Round 1 or early in Round 2.
And for those with their hearts set on Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, well, he may not be even remotely available to the Vikings.
Walter Nolen’s Last-Minute Climb
On the day of the draft, Nolen lives at No. 23 on the Consensus Big Board, ascending about five spots in the last week. He previously checked in around No. 28 or 29 one week ago.
His last-minute push to the top is so palpable that ESPN’s Matt Miller mock-drafted Nolen to the Carolina Panthers — at pick No. 8. That’s some serious riser heat, so much that Miller called Nolen a “red-hot riser.”
In his final mock, Miller connected Nolen to the Panthers at No. 8 and explained, “Nolen has been a red-hot riser in the days leading up to the draft as the Panthers, 49ers and Cowboys were all connected to him by scouts. Smoke screen? Maybe, but chatter connecting Carolina to Nolen was rampant Wednesday.”
About two weeks ago, Nolen could be found in the late 20s and early 30s, for the most part, in most trustworthy mocks. That has changed.
It’s worth noting that Miller picked South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori for the Vikings.
More Mock Draft Evidence on Nolen
Another mock draft, from NBC Sports‘ Connor Rogers, mocked Nolen to the San Francisco 49ers at No. 11. Rogers wrote, “Robert Saleh is back in San Francisco, but he’ll need more talent on the defensive line for this group to get back to dominating. Nolen is quick off the ball to shoot gaps and blow up plays.”
Newly employed at ESPN and formerly of NFL Network, Peter Schrager, too, selected Nolen for the 49ers in his final edition. “I’d be shocked if Nolen fell out of the top 15 at this point — he might be the fastest riser in this draft. He’s quick, is a people mover and has had a great predraft process. Everyone is focused on Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, but Nolen is the Rebels’ prospect I hear about more,” Schrager elaborated.
“Don’t be shocked if he goes before Mason Graham, the more heralded defensive tackle. The defensive line was once a real strength of the 49ers. It’s time to return to that era.”
Nolen is rocketing up folks’ mock drafts, rest assured.
The Draft Prediction … from Dustin Baker … Was Nolen
The author of this article settled on Nolen as his draft prediction over the weekend — before Nolen’s blitz of big boards and mock drafts.
After careful consideration, considering a probable trade down the board, at least by a few spots, Nolen seemed to perfectly balance Minnesota’s need for a young defensive tackle and his availability, at the time, on most draft pecking orders.
But Nolen may not be there to fulfill the prophecy.
Walter Nolen’s Bio
Nolen is 6’3,” 300 pounds, and 21 years old. He’s explosive and is a playmaker by a defensive tackle’s standards.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein on Nolen: “Nolen has NFL-starting size but won’t blow you away with his physical traits. However, he gains quick advantages with his explosiveness into contact and ability to beat up blockers when singled up. He has the athletic talent to play into gaps but needs to play with better hands to keep himself clean at the point of attack. He wins as a rusher with his athleticism and play strength, and doesn’t need to be schemed for.”
“The pass rush still requires refinement, but he already flashes quick-win moves that foreshadow good pressure and sack production as a pro. Nolen’s blend of explosiveness and playmaking talent create high upside as a three-down interior lineman.”
Still a Defensive Tackle if No Walter Nolen?
Suppose the Matt Millers and Peter Schargers have it right about Nolen, and he shimmies off the board before pick No. 24. That would leave Minnesota with two more DT options from Round 1 — Kenneth Grant of Michigan or Derrick Harmon of Oregon.
Realistically, Grant could be gone as well for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, potentially leaving Harmon as the last man standing for the Vikings’ DT purposes.
Round 2 would offer Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams if Minnesota trades back.
Contrarian Argument
Meanwhile, SI.com’s Albert Breer pumped the brakes this week on Nolen’s sizzle.
He wrote about Nolen and Tennessee EDGE rusher James Pearce Jr. on Wednesday: “Two of the more fascinating prospects this year are Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen and Tennessee DE James Pearce Jr. Both have faced character questions. Nolen’s practice habits and sense of entitlement have been questioned, while Pearce is seen as a bit edgy, and had a reputation for being divisive in college.”
“But both are wildly talented. Nolen is seen by many I’ve talked to as the highest ceiling defensive tackle in the class. Pearce has burst and get-off as a pass rusher that only Abdul Carter can match.”
Minnesota’s last hope to secure Nolen might be the “habits and entitlements” argument referenced by Breer.
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