‘I’m the next Aaron Donald’: Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen is ready to take NFL Draft process by storm
Ole Miss All-American Walter Nolen and five other Rebels will participate in the Senior Bowl on February 1.
Nolen transferred to Ole Miss from Texas A&M last off-season. He had a season of eligibility remaining, but Nolen is widely projected as a first-round pick in April’s NFL Draft.
The Rebels this season won 10 games for the third time in the last four years. Nolen anchored arguably the best modern-era Ole Miss defense at tackle and collected a career-high 6.5 sacks.
Nolen joined the Senior Bowl and Draft Network Interview Series on Monday to discuss the season, as well as the draft process ahead.
“I don’t have any regrets,” Nolen said of Ole Miss. “I feel like it was a great move for me in all aspects. Sometimes the portal has a bad reputation. But in my situation I feel like it was a good opportunity for me to take another step forward.”
Jaxson Dart, Princely Umanmielen, Jared Ivey, Trey Amos and Caden Davis will be in Mobile, too.
CBS draft analyst Ryan Wilson recently had Nolen drafted at No. 31 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. Each of ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr., and Jordan Reid each have Nolen in the first round, too.
Reid sent Nolen to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 29. Kiper, Jr., has Nolen ranked as his No. 3 defensive tackle in the draft class.
“I really just want to go out there and prove to everybody that I’m one of the best prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft,” Nolen said. “I’m excited to go out there and compete with some of the older guys. That’s the biggest thing for me.”
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Nolen and Umanmielen were honored as All-Americans this season. They were also a few of the eight Rebels named All-SEC.
“I’m the next Aaron Donald, man,” Nolen said. “I feel like I can do it all. Aaron Donald did it all at the highest level. I’m a younger, upcoming version of Aaron Donald. I just can’t wait to show everybody that when I get this opportunity I’m being blessed with.”
Donald is widely regarded as one of, if not the greatest, defensive tackles in NFL history.
Donald played 10 seasons in the NFL and helped the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl win. He was named All-Pro nine times. He’s a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Donald retired in 2023.
Nolen this season tied for the Ole Miss lead in tackles for loss (14.0) this season. He was third in sacks and fifth in total tackles (48). Nolen added four QB hurries, three pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries.
The Rebels set school records for single-season sacks (52) and TFLs (120).
“That’s the scary thing, I’m still developing my arsenal,” Nolen said. “I don’t think I’ve fully refined my pass-rushing plan yet. I’m still working on my techniques. I can’t wait to show the growth I’ve made in that area at the Senior Bowl.”
