The 49ers passed on Walter Nolen at No. 11 overall, and an NFC West rival didn't mind that one bit.
Leading up to day one of the 2025 NFL Draft, it wouldn't have been too hard to find speculation and rumors linking the San Francisco 49ers to Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen at No. 11 overall.
Nolen, a riser leading up to Round 1, fit a major Niners need: the interior of the defensive line. And, despite having some red flags, the thinking was San Francisco's core group of elite talent and coaching could turn him into an elite-level interior disruptor.
But the 49ers didn't grab Nolen 11th overall as many expected, going with Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams instead.
The pivot makes sense, The Niners also need serious pass-rushing help opposite All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa, and Williams is already a quality run stopper, solving a glaring need San Francisco had the last two seasons.
That said, the 49ers would have preferred if Nolen ended up far, far away from them.
He won't.
Cardinals gladly take advantage of 49ers' decision to pass on Walter Nolen
Not unlike the Niners, the Arizona Cardinals need a massive retooling of their defense, particularly up front and in spite of bringing back the aging veteran, defensive tackle Calais Campbell, during the offseason.
At No. 16 overall, the red birds had no problem running their draft card in for Nolen's services, and all indications are he'll be a day-one starter in need of little polishing.
Plus, the anticipation is for Campbell to mentor the rookie, aiming for the latter to become yet another NFC West interior defender who'll look forward to torturing San Francisco when the two division rivals square off twice a year.
The 49ers had to be relieved when the Los Angeles Rams watched perennial All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald retire.
Now, the Niners must hope Nolen doesn't develop into a Donald-like threat they'll have to deal with inside the division.