Jaguars urged to target Ole Miss standout in 2025 NFL Draft to beef up D-Line

The silver lining of having the worst record in the NFL is that the Jacksonville Jaguars are on pace to secure the first overall selection in the 2025 draft. Moreover, they would pick first in every round. This could come in handy in the second round, as they would be in a position to go after Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report put together a list of needs for all AFC teams ahead of Week 12 and proposes Jacksonville go after Nolen, pointing out that he would help them address a glaring weakness on the interior defensive line.

"A lot of attention in this space has focused on who the Jaguars will take with their first pick. It makes sense. It should be an opportunity to add a potentially elite talent to a roster that needs some hope. However, they will also have a pick toward the second round where they could add another impact player.

Walter Nolen could be a consideration in that spot. The 6'4", 290-pounder could be an eventual replacement for Arik Armstead. B/R's Matt Holder compared him to Ed Oliver in his scouting report while praising him for his heavy hands and physicality at the point of attack."

For the sake of clarity, Arik Armstead mostly lined up inside during his 10-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers. However, he's mostly played defensive end since signing a three-year deal worth $43.5 million in the offseason. Then again, that's one reason why taking Nolen in the second round is a reasonable suggestion.

There could be a regime change in Jacksonville next year, and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen could be shown the door. Whoever inherits his unit could have Armstead play on the interior, where he's at his best. Conversely, he could keep playing on the edge. Either way, Nolen would be a welcome addition to the defensive trenches.

A five-star recruit out of high school, Nolen originally attended Texas A&M but transferred to Ole Miss in 2024. Right off the bat, he became a key cog on defense, contributing with 7.5 tackles for a loss, three hurries, two fumble recoveries, four sacks, and two passes defensed in 10 games. He's the fifth-best defensive line prospect on Pro Football Focus' big board. Similarly, his 91.2 run grade is the best at the position.

If that wasn't enough, his highly productive season at Ole Miss has earned Nolen a nomination for the Outland Trophy, which is given to the top offensive or defensive lineman in the nation on a yearly basis.

Like Ballentine and colleague Matt Holder, most analysts see Nolen as a consensus Round 2 pick. He's No. 39 on PFF's big board and the fifth-best defensive lineman on Mel Kiper's draft rankings.

Why Walter Nolen would be a great pick for the Jaguars in Round 2 of the 2025 NFL draft

If the Jacksonville Jaguars aren't interested in taking Travis Hunter first overall, there are several paths they can take with the top selection. One of them is trading down with a team that is in need of a quarterback and amassing extra picks. Once they move down, they can either go after an offensive tackle or a cornerback, two positions that could be potential needs in 2025.

Having checked off a box in the first round, the Jags could go after Walter Nolen in the second round. While it's true that they took Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson in this year's draft, the defensive line still needs reinforcements.

Sure, Smith and Jefferson could develop into steady contributors down the road, but that shouldn't deter Jacksonville from adding a potential playmaker if given the chance. Alternatively, they could go after a guard in the second round, but defensive tackle should be at the top of their priority list in 2025.

The bottom line is that Walter Nolen would be an intriguing pick at No. 33, especially if the Jaguars pass on Maason Graham or Kenneth Grant in the first round.

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