It’s a Beast Defender in New Vikings Mock Draft
ESPN has posted a new mock draft — with the event 79 days away — and Minnesota Vikings fans will rejoice.
It’s a Beast Defender in New Vikings Mock Draft
For years, the team’s fans have clamored for an impact defensive tackle, not employing a dominant one at the three-technique DT spot since 2013 when Kevin Williams departed the franchise.
But ESPN’s Matt Miller fixes that, connecting Minnesota to Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen. Miller mock-drafted Nolen to the Vikings and explained: “Filling gaps on both lines will be a major focus of the Vikings’ offseason regardless of their decision at quarterback, and Nolen is too great a fit to bypass here. Senior Bowl week was huge for him. Nolen showed scouts his trademark speed and gap-splitting ability but also mixed in a dose of power that wasn’t always on his game tape.”
On tap for the 2025 campaign at defensive tackle, at least before free agency and the draft, are Harrison Phillips, Jalen Redmond, Taki Taimani, and Levi Drake Rodriguez. That’s about it for notable, playable DT commodities.
“The Vikings could be big spenders in free agency to lock up a 3-technique, but Nolen is a plug-and-play fit in Brian Flores’ defense if that money is diverted elsewhere,” Miller added.
It’s worth noting that Minnesota will start the offseason from a position of defensive strength. Brian Flores’ defense ranked second in the NFL per EPA/Play in 2024, so it’s not like the purple team needs a brand new everything.
An upgrade at defensive tackle, however, would be welcomed by nearly every Vikings fan.
Pro Football Network wrote highly of Nolen in a recent pre-draft scouting report. “Although only 21 years old, Nolen has shown improvement as a technician over the years, which has helped him make better use of his freakish combination of speed and power. He still has some more development to do, but he has shown that he’s coachable, and that’s an important trait for future success, PFN’s Jacob Infante opined.
“With an NFL-ready frame and in-game athleticism that’s well above average for his position, Nolen figures to be an early-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Given his improvement in his junior year and his physical upside, it would not at all be surprising to see him end up selected in Round 1 come April.”
If the Vikings don’t take the DT plunge in Round 1 with Nolen or Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams, other draft needs include cornerback, interior offensive line, and maybe even running back.
Nolen is 21 years old.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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