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
READ NEXT
Josh Grizzard Has A Tall Task