Walter Nolen just endeared himself to the 49ers at NFL Combine

The 49ers could easily look at Walter Nolen as their top pick in the NFL Draft, and his recent comments made that possibility easier.

While the NFL Scouting Combine is best known for watching draft prospects run around and do drills in spandex, one of the best elements from the weeklong event at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is seeing and hearing player interviews.

And, wow, Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen just left an indelible mark on the San Francisco 49ers' fanbase.

Nolen, 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, is viewed as one of the top defensive tackles in this year's class. The 49ers, who need to address their defensive line's interior this offseason, own the No. 11 overall pick this April.

And Nolen could be the preferred target.

If that's the case, Nolen certainly made things a bit easier for the Niners' predraft process when he spoke to the media at the combine.

Walter Nolen says he met with 49ers, admits Niners fandom

During his presser, which included a revelation he wouldn't participate in on-field drills, Nolen disclosed a number of key elements that are music to San Francisco fans' ears.

For starters, the 49ers met with him, according to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.

Beyond that, however, Nolen admitted he grew up a Niners fan, paying close attention to legendary linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.

Related story: When is the NFL Combine? Dates, schedule and how to watch live

Now, there might not be any correlation between prospects playing better if their favorite childhood team ends up drafting them, but it certainly can't hurt matters.

What is understandable, though, is San Francisco has a clear-cut need for a run-stuffing interior D-lineman who can also generate pressure in the pass rush, and Nolen could be ready and willing when the 49ers' number is called in Round 1 of April's NFL Draft.

He'd probably be excited if that all came to fruition.

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