The Cincinnati Bengals need to revamp their defense after a disappointing season.
With all the money they’ve spent on offense this offseason, they would be wise to use their draft capital to bolster the other side of the ball.
That’s why it’s not much of a surprise to see them meeting with a top defensive prospect as the 2025 NFL Draft gets closer.
“DT Walter Nolen, one of the Draft’s top players at his position, is visiting the [Cincinnati] Bengals today, source said,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport wrote on X.
#OleMiss DT Walter Nolen, one of the Draft's top players at his position, is visiting the #Bengals today, source said. He's also had the #Cowboys and #Panthers, and heads to the #AZCardinals and #49ers after that.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 7, 2025
Nolen already met with the Dallas Cowboys and also has a meeting scheduled with the Carolina Panthers.
He began his collegiate career at Texas A&M before transferring to Ole Miss.
In 2024, Nolen had 48 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, three passes defended and two fumble recoveries.
He was second on the team in sacks, which is not something you often see from a defensive tackle.
He’s the second-highest-ranked defensive tackle behind Mason Graham, and given that the Michigan star is seen by some as a generational talent, chances are that Nolen would be No. 1 in most other draft classes.
He could become the first Ole Miss player to be taken in the first round since tight end Evan Engram in the 2017 NFL Draft, and there are more than enough arguments to like him.
The Bengals could use some more firepower next to Trey Hendrickson, and they could create one of the most feared pass-rushing tandems in the game.
NEXT: Trey Hendrickson Speaks Out About Contract Talks With Bengals
