The San Francisco 49ers are widely expected to strengthen their offensive or defensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft—two perceived areas of weakness heading into the offseason. Offensive tackle and edge rusher have been the most common projections. However, Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports suggests the team could take a different approach, focusing on the interior of the defensive line.
The 49ers have already shared their plans to part ways with veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who will be released after June 1. This move will leave the interior defensive front in need of fresh talent.
In his latest mock draft, Fornelli has the 49ers using their 11th overall pick to select Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, who he believes could see his stock rise as the draft approaches.
"Based on what I've seen to this point, Nolen is the most slept-on prospect in the draft," Fornelli wrote. "He is a large, disruptive force in the middle of your defensive line and strikes me as the kind of player Robert Saleh loves at that spot."
Over his final two college football seasons—one at Texas A&M and one at Ole Miss—Nolen recorded 10.5 sacks. In 2024, he posted 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three passes defensed.
Nolen earned an impressive 91.6 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus last season, ranking second nationally among defensive linemen. His skill set could be especially appealing to the 49ers, who struggled against the run in 2024.
Fornelli highlights that the abundance of pass rushers in this year's draft class and the more limited depth among interior defensive linemen could lead the 49ers to target a player like Nolen with their first-round pick.
"I bet Nolen's stock rises as we approach the draft," Fornelli added.