More and more draft analysts and pundits are circling Walter Nolen as a player to watch for the 49ers in Round 1 of the NFL Draft.
With only hours counting down to the start of the 2025 NFL Draft, one name keeps popping up for the San Francisco 49ers with their top pick, No. 11 overall.
Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.
Early speculation went as far back as the NFL Combine when Nolen declared his adoration for all things Niners, and the heat suggesting he'd be general manager John Lynch's first pick has only escalated since that point. Recently, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer dropped a not-so-subtle hint about Nolen being a steady draft riser despite some red flags, then circling San Francisco as a worthy suitor.
Now, another prominent NFL personality is looking at Nolen as the 49ers' top preference in his "what I'm hearing" mock just before Round 1 kicks off.
Peter Schrager circles Walter Nolen for 49ers in final NFL Draft mock
ESPN's Peter Schrager put together a last-minute mock the day prior to the 2025 draft kicking off, basing it on what he's hearing from folks around the league.
There are a few surprises, yes, but perhaps it's not too surprising now that he tabbed Nolen as the Niners' selection at No. 11 overall:
"I'd be shocked if Nolen fell out of the top 15 at this point -- he might be the fastest riser in this draft. He's quick, is a people mover and has had a great predraft process. Everyone is focused on Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, but Nolen is the Rebels' prospect I hear about more. Don't be shocked if he goes before Mason Graham, the more heralded defensive tackle.
The defensive line was once a real strength of the 49ers. It's time to return to that era."
One of the shockers is how Schrager cited Graham falling (No. 13 to the Miami Dolphins) despite many a draft pundit feeling the Michigan standout is a top-five player.
Although it's fair to question if San Francisco would pass on Graham if he was available.
Either way, the smoke surrounding the 49ers wanting Nolen continues to flow right before the actual draft kicks off.