The Kansas City Chiefs have various holes to fill on defense in the remaining parts of the offseason. So far, most of their free agency moves have completed gaps in parts of the offensive depth chart. Though, defensive line remains an area where Kansas City could stand to get a lot deeper. The Chiefs could be looking to utilize at least a couple of draft selections on that spot, if everything falls right.
The Chiefs did sign Jerry Tillery to a one-year deal. He can act as a rotational piece on Steve Spagnuolo's defense. But when it comes to truly impacting things in key situations, which defensive tackles can K.C. really turn to other than Chris Jones?
Jones knows he is going to have to shoulder a heavy portion of the production from the Chiefs' defensive interior. Add in the double teams that he faces, and number 95 in red and yellow can only wreck so much of an opponent's game plan. There is one clear defensive tackle option in this upcoming draft that could quickly take some attention off of Jones from opposing blockers. That would be Walter Nolen of Ole Miss.
What positives stick out from Walter Nolen's game? How does he possibly fit if inserted into the Kansas City defense?
2025 NFL Draft Profile- Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Age: 21 (when drafted)
Height: 6'4''
Weight: 296 pounds
Walter Nolen's strengths
Walter Nolen has the ability to be one of the earlier selected defensive tackles in this deep DT class. Part of that is due to the fact that he possesses plenty of first step explosiveness. Coming off of the snap, Nolen can put opposing blockers in a bind with how swift he gets into their lap. The quickness also translates in his pursuit as a run defender and as a pass rusher.
Whereas with his lateral mobility and flexibility, Nolen moves incredibly smooth when asked to perform stunts and twists. Ole Miss was able to corral quarterbacks in the pocket and make them hold onto the ball for longer stretches. This was due to how in sync they moved up front, and Nolen showcases a fair amount of short area quickness when working laterally.
Nolen does a good job of keeping his hands active throughout snaps. You will not see that as consistently from other defensive tackles in this class. His punches come fast and often at the point of attack. Finally, Nolen routinely displays himself as a hard worker who can rely on effort and a long-lasting motor.
Walter Nolen's weaknesses
Even with how active his hands are, Walter Nolen may need to add more pass rush counters to fully complete his pass rush profile. Without those, some reps take a bit longer for him to get home, where possible sacks and finishes could increase.
As explosive as he is, there is an up-and-down nature on how low Nolen remains to the ground. Gaining leverage can be hit or miss throughout periods of the game. On run defense, for instance, Nolen can get washed out by blockers working to get below his pads from time to time. Shedding blocks in run defense can also come and go, as far as effectiveness goes. Nolen can throw a blocker to the side with ease on some occasions. Though, that does not always jump out or stick.
How would Walter Nolen fit in Chiefs defense?
Walter Nolen profiles better as a 4-3 defensive tackle. Lining up next to Chris Jones would allow Kansas City to really pull out more tricks and all-out blitzes, if they were to land the Ole Miss defender. Nolen can impact all three downs right now. While fine-tuning a player's craft is true for any incoming prospect, the gap between good and great is more slim for Nolen among areas of improvement. Compared to additional defensive tackle prospects, the overall ability to impact all three downs appears to be more translatable for someone like Nolen.
Add in the talent that he brings as a rookie, along with his youth, and this could be one of the best possible draft fits at defensive tackle that Kansas City could select in a long while. It would not be surprising if he went in the middle portion of the first round before the Chiefs' pick. Yet, K.C. would truly receive a significant facelift with the addition of Walter Nolen, given the current state of the defensive tackle room.