Walter Nolen already looks great in Hotty Toddy Blue. Let’s see if the Steel Blue of the Houston Texans fits better at the professional level.
In the latest mock draft from Sports Illustrated, the Texans bolster their defensive line by adding the Ole Miss defensive lineman at pick No. 25. With a combination of speed and lower-body power, Nolen’s arrival would fortify the interior trench play for the AFC South favorites over four years.
Houston’s defense is statistically strong, but Nolen would elevate its interior defensive line. Nolen, who is 6’3″ and 305 pounds, is explosive and disruptive—he notched four sacks, eight tackles for loss and 24 hurries this season. A transfer from Texas A&M, Nolen is strong against the run, too. He posted the fifth-best run defense grade (91.9) among defenders with at least 100 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and he’s tied for second in the FBS with 31 run stops. – SI’s Daniel Flick
Defensive tackle has been a need for Houston long-term since DeMeco Ryans returned home in 2023. Sheldon Rankins inked a one-year deal last offseason before cashing in with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023. Maliek Collins was traded to the San Francisco 49ers while the team settled for minimal deals built around Mario Edwards Jr. Tim Settle and Foley Fatukasi.
The Texans are built on the edge with Defensive Player of the Year candidates Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Adding depth up the middle that can bolster the run defense and add value as a secondary pass rusher makes too much sense for a defensive-led team.
That’s Nolen, an All-SEC defensive tackle who finished with career-highs in tackles for loss, sacks and pressures. He also graded out as the SEC’s top run defender by PFF and was the anchor of Ole Miss’ top-ranked run defense.
Houston looks to technically worsen its draft position by continuing its winning ways this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.
