Eagles reportedly hosted Walter Nolen on a pre-draft visit

The Birds did their homework on a popular first round target.

It’s time to add at least one more prospect to Bleeding Green Nation’s Philadelphia Eagles’ pre-draft visits tracker leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Birds hosted Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen at the NovaCare Complex, according to Inside the Birds (via @DiBonaNFL).

This news is a welcomed development for Eagles fans, who commonly prefer Nolen to be Philly’s first-round pick. There’s thought that it could actually happen. Grinding The Mocks has Nolen’s expected draft position at exactly No. 32.

Then again, Nolen ranks 20th on Arif Hasan’s consensus big board. He’s the No. 7 prospect ranked by Pro Football Focus and the No. 28 prospect ranked by Daniel Jeremiah.

The Eagles might need to trade up in order to draft Nolen. The Minnesota Vikings at No. 24 could be an interesting team to watch in that regard since they’re a strong candidate to move down. The Vikes currently only have four selections in this year’s draft (No. 24, No. 97, No. 139, No. 187).

Before making such a move up the board, however, the Eagles probably want to feel pretty comfortable about the player they’re investing extra resources in. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler previously highlighted some questions about Nolen’s personality.

Multiple scouts have maturity concerns, however. There are several NFL scouting reports that reflect Nolen’s history of walking off the practice field mid-session due to frustration.

Opinions of his team interviews are varied, but one NFL personnel executive said Nolen came across as someone who wants to improve and shed bad habits.

“He’s searching for solutions,” the exec said. “He’s young.” Nolen turned 21 in October.

Going to a veteran-laden locker room could help Nolen.

Bringing Nolen to Philly allowed the Eagles to better get to know him as a person. Perhaps they feel like he’s a good fit for them.

They might not get the chance to draft Nolen. Until we know that for sure, it’s fun to think about the possibility of pairing him up with Jalen Carter.

Scouting report via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

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.

“Nobody questions how talented he is and how hard he plays. Super twitched up and really explosive.” — NFC national scout

Watch his highlights video:

College stats via Sports Reference:

Athletic testing data not available due to his lack of participation.