The 2025 NFL Draft will be critical for the sustained success of this Minnesota Vikings team. They will be getting back J.J. McCarthy, and Dallas Turner is expected to have a larger role, so a first-round pick could come in with two others.
In his latest mock draft for ESPN, Matt Miller gave the Vikings more help on the defensive line alongside Harrison Phillips.
Miller has the Vikings drafting Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen with the 28th overall pick. He writes, “The Vikings should address the trenches with their first-round pick; the debate will just be whether they would focus on the offensive or defensive side. . . He’s built in the mold of a versatile 3-technique but also has 5-technique ability at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, sporting active hands, length, quickness and strength. His All-Pro potential would be welcomed in Brian Flores’ complex defensive scheme.”
Nolen is the type of interior presence that works well with Phillips. Where Phillips is a run defender, Nolen can take advantage of his attention and become a reliable interior pass rusher. Creating pressure up the middle frees up the edges to get on-on-ones, and from their, chaos ensues.
There is a lot to like with this pick for the Vikings.
