In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports' Josh Edwards has the San Francisco 49ers addressing their defensive line by selecting a standout performer from this week's Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama.
With Robert Saleh returning to his role as defensive coordinator—a position he held from 2017 to 2020 before becoming the head coach of the New York Jets—Edwards predicts the 49ers will bolster their front by selecting Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen with the 11th overall pick.
"With the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, San Francisco needs to re-invest in its interior defensive line to return to the glory years," Edwards wrote. "Walter Nolen is one of the most talented in this class."
During his final two seasons of college football—one at Texas A&M and one at Ole Miss—Nolen tallied 10.5 sacks. In 2024, he posted 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three passes defensed.
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Nolen's performance in Mobile turned heads, with coaches and scouts taking notice.
"Ole Miss' Walter Nolen stood out all three days," wrote 49ers Webzone's Wayne P. Brown. "Although he left practice with an injury on the second day, Nolen returned on day three to remind everyone that he was the number one defensive tackle. At 293, he dominated in the pass rush all week long."
The 49ers' run defense could certainly use an upgrade. Last season, they allowed an average of 124.6 rushing yards per game and 24 rushing touchdowns, the second-most in the NFL (tied with the Panthers).
Nolen's 91.6 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranked second nationally among defensive linemen, making him an ideal candidate to strengthen an area where the 49ers defense has struggled.
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