Broncos Eye Top Defensive Talent with 20th Pick, Host All-American DT Walter Nolen
With the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos have several potential directions they could take. While much of the offseason chatter has connected them to offensive skill positions like running back, wide receiver, or tight end, defense might actually be the priority—specifically on the line.
As reported by Mike Klis of 9News, the Broncos recently hosted Ole Miss standout defensive tackle Walter Nolen for a Top-30 visit. The junior is fresh off a dominant 2024 campaign, earning First-Team AP All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors.
Nolen, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 296 pounds, is widely projected as a first-rounder thanks to his explosive production last season: 6.5 sacks, 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 3 pass breakups. His performance earned him the second-best run defender grade among draft-eligible defensive tackles in 2024, per Pro Football Focus, and he ranks fifth overall at his position.
NFL.com compares him to John Franklin-Myers, who coincidentally is currently on Denver’s roster, though possibly only for the 2025 season. That would give Nolen a natural opportunity to learn before potentially taking over the role full-time.
With the defensive front quietly being a need, and offensive weapons possibly available later in the draft, don’t be surprised if the Broncos make Nolen their guy at pick No. 20.
