According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen told reporters he met with the San Francisco 49ers during this week's NFL Scouting Combine.
"He grew up a fan of the 49ers and especially liked Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman," Maiocco noted.
Ole Miss DT Walter Nolan said he's met with the 49ers. He grew up a fan of the 49ers and especially liked Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) February 26, 2025
NFL teams are each permitted to hold formal meetings with up to 45 prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine but have no limit on the number of informal meetings they can conduct.
Nolen wrapped up his college career with 114 tackles (26 for a loss), 11.5 sacks, four passes defensed, and a forced fumble. Over his final two seasons—one at Texas A&M and one at Ole Miss—he recorded 10.5 sacks.
In 2024, Nolen posted 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three passes defensed. His 91.6 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranked second nationally among defensive linemen, trailing only Michigan's Mason Graham (92.6).
The 49ers have the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which will take place on Thursday, April 24, at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.