First-round defensive prospect teased visit with Cowboys on social media

Even with Osa Odighizuwa signed, the Dallas Cowboys need more strength on the defensive line, which is why they're visiting with a top DT prospect.

Mississippi defensive lineman Walter Nolen during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys have 10 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the first coming at No. 12 overall.

Most draft pundits expect the Cowboys to add a wide receiver at this spot, but they're keeping their options open. Dallas has met with several prospects who are slated to go in Round 1, with one arriving in town on Friday.

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Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen is set to visit the team, as reported by Aaron Wilson. Nolen confirmed as much when he shared a picture of his plane landing at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.

DT Walter Nolan arriving at the DFW airport to take a visit with the #Cowboys, first reported by @AaronWilson_NFL.

(📸: @ Walter Nolan on IG) pic.twitter.com/MdHAMEQ5d3

— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) April 4, 2025

Nolen is known for his ability to rush the passer, racking up 6.5 sacks in his final season with the Rebels. Dallas already has a 3-tech capable of causing mayhem in Osa Odighizuwa, who signed a four-year, $80 million extension this offseason.

Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Walter Nolen waits for the snap during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats. | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

That's why Nolen's run-stopping is important. In 2024, he was one of the best in the nation at stopping the run, earning a 91.7 run-stop grade, which was No. 1 in the SEC.

Even with that impressive grade, it's hard to see the Cowboys targeting Nolen with the 12th pick. They have far greater needs and could do just as much to improve their defensive line by targeting a nose tackle later in the draft.

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