Steelers Could Draft Sleeper Defensive Tackle
The Pittsburgh Steelers know Cam Heyward isn’t going to be around forever. The four-time first-team Associated Press All-Pro is still playing at a high level, but he’ll be 36 years old when the coming season begins. Mike Tomlin might look to fortify the Steelers’ defensive front — and prepare for life without Heyward — in the 2025 NFL Draft.
With the No. 21 overall pick, Pittsburgh has been projected to take Michigan’s Kenneth Grant or Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, both promising young defensive tackles. Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen is a dark horse for the Steelers, having been taken by Pittsburgh in 12.0% of Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator scenarios.
According to 247 Sports, Nolen was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2022 class, behind only eventual Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. A five-star talent, Nolen intially played for Texas A&M before transferring to join Lane Kiffin with the Rebels.
“Walter Nolen is an athletic 3-technique defensive tackle, which is a valuable asset in today’s NFL,” Pro Football Network wrote. “Combine that with his leap in production in 2024 and his top-notch pedigree, and it’s not hard to see why many are high on him entering the NFL. Although he’s only 21 years old, Nolen has shown improvement as a technician.
“He still has more development to undergo, but the arrow is trending up, and he gives coaches an elite talent to work with. At 6’3″, 296 pounds, with over 33″ arms, Nolen’s power profile is spectacular, and his hyper-elite explosive capacity enables him to function as a battering ram when exerting power in both phases.”
The only teams to draft Walter Nolen more than the Steelers in mock situations are the Buffalo Bills (17.6%), Kansas City Chiefs (16.0%), Philadelphia Eagles (15.4%), and San Francisco 49ers (12.4%).