The 2025 NFL draft will be crucial to the sustained success of this Minnesota Vikings team. They will bring back JJ McCarthy, and Dallas Turner is expected to play a larger role, so a first-round pick could come into play along with two others.
In his Matt Miller gave the Vikings more help on the defensive line alongside Harrison Phillips.
Miller has the Vikings sign Ole Miss defenseman Walter Nolen with the 28th overall pick. He writes: “The Vikings should head to the trenches with their first-round pick; The only debate will be whether they would focus on offense or defense. . . He's built in the mold of a versatile 3-technique but also has 5-technique skills at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds and has active hands, length, quickness and power. His All-Pro potential would be welcome in Brian Flores’ complex defensive system.”
Nolen is the type of interior presence that fits well with Phillips. While Phillips is a run defender, Nolen can take advantage of his attention and become a reliable interior pass rusher. By creating pressure in the middle, the edges become free, allowing clashes to occur and chaos ensues.
This pick for the Vikings has a lot going for it.