Cincinnati currently holds the 17th pick in the upcoming draft, and Nolen has been a popular mock draft target.
The Cincinnati Bengals currently hold the 17th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and have plenty of options to knock their selection out of the park.
The team met with numerous stars at the NFL Combine and will be looking to add an instant-impact player after a disappointing 2024 season.
One of the biggest needs for the Bengals is the defensive line, and PFF’s Mason Cameron believes Walter Nolen is the best-case scenario for pick number 17.
Nolen had an incredible 2024 season, being selected as an All-America First Team and All-SEC First Team as well.
Nolen helped the Rebels’ defense with his run defense and also tallied 6.5 sacks in 2024.
The Ole Miss defensive tackle is ranked 20th on the NFL Mock Draft Database big board and could fall perfectly to Cincinnati at 17.
Cameron also explained bringing back Tee Higgins would help solidify this selection if he is available, “Retaining Higgins looks increasingly more likely, given director of player personnel Duke Tobin’s recent comments. If that’s the case, addressing their 28th-ranked EPA per play run defense by adding Nolen, the second-highest graded run defender (91.6), behind only Mason Graham, last season, would be a prudent move.”
This has become the most important offseason in Bengals franchise history and bringing in a guy like Nolen would help the defense substantially.
