The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen plans on taking full advantage. Nolen recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Nolen also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his disruptive pass-rush arsenal, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Nolen better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Walter Nolen: I was actually in the middle of packing up my house (laughs). It was such an exciting moment for me, especially being a junior. Getting that Senior Bowl invite is a true honor.
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Walter Nolen: 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. I’m excited to go out there and compete with some of the older guys. That’s the biggest thing for me.
JM: When you get down there, what are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Walter Nolen: I want to show everybody that I really love the game of football. I want my personality to shine through first and foremost. The coaches, the scouts, they’re gonna be on the field with us. I want them to see who I am as a person.
It’s hard to get to know somebody when you're scouting them through a screen.
JM: That’s the honest truth. How would you describe your skill set in your own words? Self-scout yourself for us.
Walter Nolen: I’m the next Aaron Donald, man.
JM: Wow. We love how bold that is.
Walter Nolen: 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.
JM: Speaking of Aaron Donald, how would you describe your pass-rush arsenal then? What are your go-to moves and counters?
Walter Nolen: That’s the scary thing. I’m still developing my arsenal. 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.
JM: We’re excited to see you down in Mobile. You had a career-high 6.5 sacks this past season. You’ve already taken one step forward as a pass rusher.
Walter Nolen: I really locked in this season, bought into our coaching staff. I followed the plan our coaches laid out for me. I spent a lot of time fine-tuning the little things. Honestly, I found a way to get better every single day.
JM: How do you reflect on the decision to transfer from Texas A&M to Ole Miss?
Walter Nolen: I don’t have any regrets. I feel like it was a great move for me in all aspects. I know 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.
JM: Fun question before we let you go. What’s on Walter Nolen’s pre-game playlist?
Walter Nolen: There’s a lot of NBA Youngboy and Lil’ Boosie.
JM: Lil’ Boosie, wow, I don’t hear that answer a lot. A legend from Louisiana.
Walter Nolen: Wow, you know a little something then (laughs).
JM: I know more than you think (laughs). Are there any NFL players you’re looking forward to swapping jerseys with at the next level?
Walter Nolen: I’m not going to lie to you. I’m going to be like a little kid in a candy store (laughs). I want to collect them all. I know I can’t get them all, but I’m going to try and get as many as I can.
JM: We absolutely love that. This has been awesome. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Walter Nolen?
Walter Nolen: It means I went out there and dominated my one-on-one reps at the Senior Bowl. I want to dominate every single practice. I want everybody to feel my presence.
