Walter Nolen And The Bucs
March 29th, 2025
Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.
Joe wants the Bucs to load up on defense in the draft and Joe trusts Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht to get the right guys.
Joe would like for the Bucs to draft Jihaad Campbell, the beastly and versatile linebacker out of Alabama. His shoulder surgery has Joe spooked, but again, Joe trusts the Bucs to make the right medical call.
Just about any defensive position with the No. 19 pick works for Joe. Really. A stud player at any defensive position would be a welcome addition.
Take defensive tackle. That may be the strength of the Bucs’ defense. But as has been proven recently, you cannot have enough good ones. Rotations keep guys fresh, too.
With Vita Vea now 30 years, how many more years does he have left? He’s a free agent after the 2026 season.
Sniffing defensive linemen, Joe read an interesting item from Jordan Reid of BSPN. Reid was asked about a player he’s high on but NFL people may not be. Reid is impressed by Ole Miss tackle Walter Nolen.
In previous years, we’ve seen interior defenders with similar explosiveness go in the top 20 and have an immediate impact. Teams are starved for defensive tackles who can knock offenses off schedule with consistent disruption, and Nolen is the type of defender who can play immediately because of his juice as a pass rusher. He needs to become more consistent against the run, but the name of his game is moving forward and penetrating the first level. He’s the No. 11 player on my board.
A couple of years ago, the Bucs drafted a defensive tackle at No. 19 overall known for rushing the passer. But defending the run? Well, not so much. His name is Calijah Kancey. And about his run defense? Yeah, NextGen Stats claims Kancey did not miss one tackle last year, which is insane to Joe.
If this Nolen has the athletic ability, Bucs coach Todd Bowles will coach him up on how to stop the run.
Greg Cosell of NFL Films absolutely raves about Nolen. (If the video of Cosell with highlights of Nolen doesn’t appear below, click here.)
If Nolen is good enough for Cosell, he’s good enough for Joe. So, no, Joe wouldn’t have any problem if the Bucs drafted another stud defensive tackle at No. 19 next month.
🗣️"I personally believe that Walter Nolen is the best defensive tackle prospect in this draft class"
NFL Films' @gregcosell shares his thoughts on the Ole Miss DT🔊⬇️ #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/shfrZtK8to
— One Bills Live (@OneBillsLive) March 21, 2025
March 29th, 2025 at 8:23 am
This guys looks like a beast, can he play edge LOL
March 29th, 2025 at 8:29 am
Nolen has the build of a 3 or 5 technique. He could fill in for Kancey or Hall. He would see the field a lot if we lose Hall next year. I’d prefer someone that could spell VV and play 3 tech in a limited role. To me that guy is Kenneth Grant. We could use help at all 3 levels so get the best play available.
March 29th, 2025 at 8:48 am
We’ve got too many holes on defense. The only place that’s solid is DT. I agree, Nolen is a beast and would give the Bucs solid depth at the position. However, we’ve got much bigger needs at ILB, CB, and Edge. This year, I’m not a big fan of taking the best player available regardless of position. No RB or WR. Take the BPA from one of our positions of need.
March 29th, 2025 at 8:48 am
How about an Old Miss draft. I put in the Athletic current big board top 100 ranking for each prospect after their position.
Walter Nolen in 1st. DT 21
Trey Amos in 2nd. CB 51
Chris Paul in 3rd. LB 87
Jared Ivey in 4th. DE 97
Ole Miss only gave up 14.4 points per game last year so they were doing a lot right.
March 29th, 2025 at 8:52 am
He would be my top choice. Then take Tyliek Wms in round two. Dominant defensive lines win super bowls!
March 29th, 2025 at 8:53 am
Looking further on defense stats of Ole Miss.
2nd best in pts per game.
2nd best in rush yards per game.
8th best in total yards per game.
March 29th, 2025 at 9:07 am
Licht’s history suggests this is exactly how the 1st pick plays out – Bucs are going to take the best available defensive LINEMAN. If that’s a DE or a DT doesn’t matter. Game is won & lost in the trenches and that’s how Licht drafts in the 1st round.
March 29th, 2025 at 9:27 am
Wow! The tape on Nolen looks good!
He’d be a keeper, for sure.
I’m still leaning toward an ILB as our first round pick.
To me, it’s a position of need, although I also agree with the BPA line of thinking.
As PSLBob said, take the BPA at a position of need.
We’re very thin at ILB, even with the Anthony Walker signing.
I expect LaVonte to call it a career after this season.
And, the Campbell Conundrum….
The conventional wisdom is that Jihaad Campbell is the top ILB in the draft.
But, his shoulder situation has me concerned. We need an ILB that can start/go into rotation in week one. That may mean someone else.
I’m not an expert. I have to leave that to Jason Licht and his staff.
Others may disagree, but I’d go BPA at ILB in round one, then BPA with an eye toward CB, Edge, DT in rounds two – four, in any given order.
March 29th, 2025 at 9:28 am
We need a corner to replace Dean.
March 29th, 2025 at 9:39 am
Emmanwori!
Think of what Bowles can scheme with him!
March 29th, 2025 at 9:41 am
Exactly.
D-line depth is the future.
Vea misses many drives.
Hall is not a beast.
Kancey is the man.
But we need help in the interior.
I also like the 430 pound NT from The University of Florida to rotate with Vea.
March 29th, 2025 at 9:41 am
High praise from someone I respect as well. You can’t have enough good D linemen.
March 29th, 2025 at 9:46 am
BPA on defense through 3 rds unless there is just a glaring offensive weapon but I can see the Bucs drafting this guy if he’s still there. Not against drafting ole miss guys 2 in a row or more if they’re the BPA, Rams did that last year with 2 teammates from FSU and that turned out ok.
March 29th, 2025 at 9:52 am
I like this guy
March 29th, 2025 at 9:57 am
The guy does seem impressive. One more possibility. Closer to Kancey than Via. I think the article said 296 or 298. Year one starter.
March 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am
Fred McNeil. You say “closer to Kancey than Vea”. As Aqualung would say “ I’m getting the warmsies”.
March 29th, 2025 at 10:16 am
BPA rounds 1-5
I bet some gems will drop to us in the 1st round.
Happy with DT/DE, NT, 2 CB, ILB in any order.
March 29th, 2025 at 10:16 am
I expect another team to take Nolen before the Bucs pick but no DT in major college football generated more hurries than Harmon from Oregon in 2024. He may be my favorite choice for the Bucs at 19 if they can’t find a trade down partner. He has control over his weight and has stated he will gain weight if his NFL coaches tell him to do so. He showed up at Michigan State as a 360 lb freshman but blew up after transferring to Oregon where he could swap the time he spent goofing around with his high school buddies back in Michigan to train and put some distance between himself and his mother’s cooking. The number one reason first round DTs turn into busts is weight related injury issues.
March 29th, 2025 at 10:21 am
More pressure up the middle makes it easier on reddick, diaby and brasswell on the outside. It doesn’t matter where the first pressure on the qb comes from as long as it comes from all angles. If it comes up the middle then the qb slides and tries to break contain. If it comes from the outside he tries to step up. We just have to have guys that can finish wherever he goes.
With the amount of depth on the edge, LB and dline I probably wouldn’t be wild about drafting a safety at 19, but if you move smith back to nickel you could make a solid case for it if the player is a stud.
March 29th, 2025 at 10:27 am
Nolen will be gone. Emmanwori or Green.
March 29th, 2025 at 11:03 am
He will easily be gone by 19. Board above us has 4 consecutive teams with each having urgent DL/DE needs. All the credible draft sites mention those needs.
Green May drop, and Stewart is a waste of time (a mirage).
Production in college comes first.
March 29th, 2025 at 11:06 am
*directly, above us. Picks 14-17 will take DL/DE each. Obviously possibly other teams above those.
March 29th, 2025 at 11:37 am
Is Kenneth Grant not a beast? We do need someone to rotate with Vea who is bigger than Gaines.
March 29th, 2025 at 12:04 pm
Grant because of his size and power. Another onne who might be there in the 3rd is joshua famer….tyelik williams might be there in the 2nd.
March 29th, 2025 at 12:33 pm
You guys are acting like he would “spell” Logan Hall.
He would easily START over Logan Hall.
I would rather have 4 DTs than Jihaad Campbell.
Please make a smart decision.
Anyone reminiscent of Jalen Carter is good.
March 29th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
Outside of Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College, Walter Nolan would be my next-best option. The physical traits jump off the tape—power, leverage, and that rare ability to reset the line of scrimmage. You drop him into a rotation with Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Logan Hall, and you’re talking about a defensive front that’s deep, dynamic, and built to wear offenses down. That’s how you keep pressure consistent and control games in the trenches.
March 29th, 2025 at 12:47 pm
Looks like the middle pile pusher we’ve been talking about. He would help. Jason’s got this. I’m down for whoever he takes.
March 29th, 2025 at 12:49 pm
I’ll admit, I’ve gone back and forth between Donovan Ezeiruaku and Walter Nolen. It’s a tough call. Donovan brings a relentless motor and refined technique off the edge, while Walter’s raw power and pedigree—being the No. 2 prospect nationally behind only Travis Hunter—make him a rare interior presence. Both bring different strengths, but either one would elevate a defensive front immediately.
March 29th, 2025 at 12:53 pm
Trench picks spark joy ❤️
March 29th, 2025 at 1:08 pm
Nolan is fine but there are a few more DL players that are just as good on paper. In the famous words of Marshawn Lynch its all about the mentals. A lot of other so called draft experts have said Nolan takes a lot of breaks in between good plays. I prefer Emmanwori if available he can play safety or linebacker.
March 29th, 2025 at 1:25 pm
After a full breakdown of this year’s linebacker class, it’s clear most of these prospects don’t have what you need to play true Mike at the next level.
We’re talking about a lack of eye discipline, key-read ability, play-speed between the tackles, and most importantly, the ability to stack and shed, fit the run, and make the call as the green dot.
The few who do flash those traits often lack the range and fluidity to survive in coverage. In today’s NFL, if you’re a two-down backer, you’re coming off the field when it matters most—and that’s not worth a premium pick when higher-value options are still on the board at EDGE, Corner, or Defensive Interior.
March 29th, 2025 at 1:33 pm
Every defensive player in this draft will be linked to the Bucs.
March 29th, 2025 at 1:35 pm
Evaluating Nick Emmanwori, it’s clear that while his elite athleticism and versatility evoke comparisons to top prospects like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derwin James, and Kyle Hamilton, he lacks the refined instincts, processing speed, and technique that made those players special.
At this stage, Emmanwori reminds me less of Isaiah Simmons and more of Obi Melifonwu—an elite tester with enticing traits but whose lack of polish and positional clarity kept him from making a sustained NFL impact.
Emmanwori is a traits-over-technique prospect who will require real conviction from any front office willing to bet on his upside. Don’t get me wrong—the physical tools are absolutely there—but without a clearly defined role or more consistent tape, the margin for error is slim. If the development doesn’t come quickly, he profiles as a boom-or-bust player who may struggle to live up to his draft billing.
March 29th, 2025 at 1:44 pm
Kobe King is one of the more overlooked true Mikes in this class.
He’s got real experience calling a defense, stacking and shedding, and operating with eye discipline in the box—traits that a lot of higher-profile prospects simply don’t have. The tape is steady, the production is there, and he’s battle-tested in a Power Five conference.
Yet he’s rarely in the conversation. If he’s sitting there in the 4th or 5th, that’s a smart, low-risk investment in a proven communicator who can contribute early and potentially develop into a steady starter.
March 29th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Hey MadMax, I remember you being real high on Obi Melifonwu back in the day… so I knew you’d be all over Emmanwori. Especially with your South Carolina bias showing loud and proud. Just don’t act surprised when he’s struggling to find a role by Year 2. We’ve seen this movie before
March 29th, 2025 at 2:02 pm
Now we are cooking. Let’s talk about those IDL that is where my heart lies in this draft. ILB/ CB we need ’em both. But IDL that’s the spot they have to hit. For my money you can never have too many IDL. If they see a guy at 19 they like then run to the podium and get the card in. Posthaste.
March 29th, 2025 at 2:42 pm
Luv
How are Kings coverage skills? Does he have to come off on 3rd?
March 29th, 2025 at 2:45 pm
Alllbuccedup
Emmanwori looks great, but I’ve read the same exact thing about him as your described of Nolen. Trouble staying interested.
March 29th, 2025 at 3:32 pm
I would be fine with an impact def lineman..who would probably overtake hall and use hall as a rotational player. I am not sold on wasting an early pick on a lb. I have gotta feeling that the lb ratings are not accurate and some linebackers taken in the 4th -7th rounds are going to end up being better than the lbs drafted before them in the earlier rounds.
March 29th, 2025 at 3:46 pm
Luv, its all good. If him and Starks both are there at 19, who would you take? I think Starks has more experience at different positions. But the speed, size and athleticism of Emman is something else. Coached up right, he would be a great S/LB hybrid.
Im just worried if Winfield goes down again. Its obvious we need help in that secondary. Xavier Watts could be a later pick. I had us in one mock, trading down to 29 and grabbing Derrick Harmon or Grant, CB Trey Amos, WR Jaden Higgins and then Watts….was still able to grab Knight and Jack Sawyer. I know these mock sims arent realistic at times but I liked this one.
March 29th, 2025 at 3:48 pm
@Jmarkbuc — King excels on early downs: he keys the run, takes on blocks with leverage, and controls interior fits. He’s functional in spot-drop zones, but you don’t want him isolated in space on 3rd and long. That’s where Bowles’ rotational model comes into play—King sets the tone early, then a more fluid mover like SirVocea Dennis steps in on passing downs. It’s the same philosophy Bowles used with Bucannon/Minter and more recently with Dennis/Britt.
That said, competition for the sub-package role will be essential given Dennis’s durability concerns and relatively limited sample size in extended coverage situations. Adding multiple coverage-capable options—through the draft or UDFA—should be a priority.
Prospects like Smael Mondon Jr. (range and blitz timing), Nick Martin (instincts and short-area burst), and Carson Bruener (high football IQ, clean zone discipline) all bring traits that fit Bowles’ vision. He’s always favored matchup-based rotations, and maintaining depth and versatility will be key across a full season.
Also still intrigued by Jay Higgins. His 40 surprised me—I expected more after watching the tape. At Iowa, he played like a more liberal, flowing linebacker with solid range and urgency. The film suggests a guy who plays faster than he tests, and that still carries weight in a Bowles-style scheme where instincts and fit awareness often outweigh raw measurables.
March 29th, 2025 at 3:52 pm
MadMax — All love, brother. But between the two? It’s Starks without hesitation. He’s got the reps, the versatility, and comes from a Georgia defense that mirrors a lot of what Bowles does—pattern match principles, aggressive quarters, hybrid overhangs. The transition would be nearly seamless. Emman’s tools are freakish—no doubt—but right now, you’re betting on projection and raw traits. With Starks, you’re getting a polished, high-IQ defender who’s already played multiple roles at a high level in a system very close to ours. That’s plug-and-play upside.
March 29th, 2025 at 4:00 pm
MadMax — I actually had Xavier Watts on my board late last year but took him off. The instincts are there, but the missed tackles and bad pursuit angles showed up too often on tape—especially when he overcommitted in zone. It’s a concern if we’re counting on him for reliable depth behind Winfield.
And yeah, you know I was high on Trey Amos, but I’ve really come to respect Nohl Williams’ game. Physical, competitive, and just flat-out productive—14 career picks and consistently around the ball.
March 29th, 2025 at 4:11 pm
I’ll check Williams out, i didnt know about him….i dont have as much time as some to do this until this last week (laid off). But in between looking for another job, you know my true love, Bucs draft and football. I even got into some of this basketball for a change. That Bama Duke game is going to be something tonight. Bama set a 3 point record last game…glad I was watching it live.
March 29th, 2025 at 4:13 pm
Love the discussion and insights here fellas.
At least for the 1st round- ya gotta go with whoever you believe will be ready to produce as a rookie. I don’t care if it’s DT, OLB, ILB, CB or S, though I lean more towards on the D-line or LB positions…
March 29th, 2025 at 4:34 pm
MadMax — Man, sorry to hear about the layoff. That’s never easy, but knowing you, you’ll land on your feet fast. You’ve always had that bounce-back mentality. Glad you’re getting some time to dive into the draft—definitely check out Nohl Williams when you can. He’s physical, instinctive, and just has that dawg in him.
As for hoops, I actually stopped watching college ball a few years back—sports was taking up too much of my time, and I had to reset a few priorities. But I’m still riding high off that Bulls vs. Lakers game the other night. That one had everything—felt like playoff energy in March.
March 29th, 2025 at 4:41 pm
unbelievable — Always good to chop it up with folks who really study the game. And I hear you—first-rounders need to be able to contribute right away, no question. I’m doubling down on the front seven as well. If there’s a true disruptor—whether it’s on the interior or off the edge—you make that pick. Bowles’ defense is at its best when it’s creating chaos up front. Secondary help matters, but this scheme still runs through pressure and disciplined gap integrity. Control the line, and everything else falls into place.
March 29th, 2025 at 5:32 pm
What is going on out here??
March 29th, 2025 at 5:38 pm
I remember a lot of people were high on Ed Oliver on here the year he came out, but I was 100% sure the Bucs wouldn’t pick him…I’m only 99.9% sure on this guy.
March 29th, 2025 at 5:52 pm
Larrd … ‘He would be my top choice. Then take Tyliek Wms in round two.’
There’s no question that Walter Nolan is a very talented DLineman who could help any defense, but we need BEEF. An entire DLine of sub-300 lb DTs/DEs doesn’t cut it. As we saw in 2020, if we lose Vea in the middle, we lose our beast. No one else warrants double-teams … and no one else can win against double-teams as often as Vea can. We need a beast to rotate in with him to provide consistent interior pressure.
That’s not Nolan (6’4″ & 296 lbs), at least according to Walter Football. Now Tyleik Williams (6’3″ & 334 lbs)? YES.
March 29th, 2025 at 6:12 pm
Emmanwori, if he is available at 19 have to take. He and Abdul Carter best defenders in this draft. Bucs need to go to 4-3 set and have Emmanwori man up on TE’s. Tykee Smith on slot, McCollum on one side and new CB on other. Emmanwori or Carter DRoY.
March 29th, 2025 at 6:13 pm
It is a treat to have articles and comments of this quality in my life and to hear some old familiar draft season voices I’ve been missing for too long. It is an honor and a rare pleasure prognosticating with you ladies and gentlemen. I thought the days of comment sections that build my brain up were long gone.
Nohl Williams and Teddye Buchanan have been my dream picks in round three and four almost from the go. Check out Buchanan’s UC-Davis highlights if you haven’t already. His one-handed INTs (yes, plural) have me smitten. I’d love to see Licht and Co. bring a double dose of Cal ball hawk chemistry to Bowles defensive gumbo. That plus a pinch (JJ Pegues) of what the ghost of Monte Kiffin did to the Ole Miss defense this past season can put the Bucs defense on another level with mid round picks. I know tons of NIL money is likely the source of Ole Miss’s defensive dominance but I like to think it’s the ghost of Monte Kiffin. The change is so profound its source must be supernatural.
March 29th, 2025 at 6:28 pm
I’m not a fan of Walter Nolen. He was a healthy scratch at the combine and also his Pro Day. He loves to compare himself to Aaron Donald – Kancey was compared to Donald too but he downplayed it and wanted no part of it. Nolen doesn’t seem like a team player and seems like a ‘me’ guy – skipping workouts and comparing himself to Donald.
I understand the talk about picking up a NT at 19 but I don’t see it happening. Licht just re-signed Greg Gaines so he seems like VV’s backup. It’s unlikely that a NT picked at 19 would beat out VV to start. I want the pick at 19 to be a starter.
March 29th, 2025 at 7:00 pm
Defense Rules — I hear you on the concern about interior size, especially if Vea misses time. That’s a valid roster construction point. But Walter Nolen shouldn’t be discounted based on weight alone. At ~296 lbs, he consistently played with power, low pad level, and excellent leverage.
On tape, he reset the line of scrimmage against top-tier SEC offensive lines and was a key contributor to a unit that led the nation in tackles for loss and sacks. He’s not just a gap shooter—he can stack, control blocks, and finish plays when asked to anchor.
Tyleik Williams, at 330+, is a true space-eater with strong two-gap potential and anchor ability. But Nolen brings something Williams doesn’t: high-level disruption from the interior. His 6.5 sacks and constant pressure show up in how he collapses the pocket and forces offenses to adjust protections. If the goal is to complement Vea—not clone him—Nolen gives you a dynamic 3-tech presence that creates matchup issues.
Bowles’ scheme, like Wade Phillips’ 1-gap system, thrives on contrast up front: one true anchor (like Vea or Shaun Cody), and one twitchy interior disruptor (like J.J. Watt, Malik Jackson, or Jay Ratliff). Two massive DTs can bog down the pass rush. What you want is balance—one guy to draw doubles, and another to exploit 1-on-1s.
If Vea goes down, you don’t ask Nolen to become a full-time nose—you adjust with depth: bring in a rotational anchor, slide fronts, or adjust personnel. But drafting Nolen gives you a scheme-versatile, high-upside guy who holds his own against the run and brings the kind of interior pressure that changes games.
As you know, you win in this league with disruption. And Nolen offers that in spades—without sacrificing the toughness needed to play alongside Vea or hold the fort if Vita goes down.
March 29th, 2025 at 10:08 pm
From Walter Football, on Nolen: “Some sources think he could go in the first round because of his skill set, and others say they have him much lower because of character concerns and the bad tape”.
That sounds like someone, if true, that Licht would have on his list of 12 to not draft.
March 30th, 2025 at 3:02 am
Luv, Nohl is a sleeper, lets hope he stays that way.
My new mock sim (first 5 rds) just because they were there, and i couldve traded down a few spots once for an extra 3rd but rejected it:
Starks
Jaydin Higgins (LOVE this kid)
Joshua Farmer
Demetrius Knight
Nohl Williams
March 30th, 2025 at 5:27 am
Campbell first round and Tyleik Williams for Vea rotation second if the Bucs can move up enough to get him.
If they can’t get Williams, then Alfred Collins or Omar Norman-Lott in the second.
Tyleik Williams dropped from 360 to 330 to become more explosive, and he is a best. The first set of downs in drives early in the game, put Williams and Vea both in the game and see if he Bucs can’t finally get an effective four man rush and many more three and outs.