The Green Bay Packers might be looking to address a significant defensive loss early in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a roster that doesn’t have many obvious weaknesses, the early free agency move of TJ Slaton to the Cincinnati Bengals might push general manager Brian Gutekunst to prioritize defensive tackle as a top draft need.

Slaton, who is 27, had a productive season in 2024 with 30 tackles, one sack, and five tackles for loss, and the Packers may look to a rookie to fill his shoes. Considering the demand along the defensive front and Gutekunst’s aim to create a line that can consistently generate pressure, Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen could be a prime candidate for the Packers’ first-round pick.

In the latest mock draft by CBS Sports NFL analyst Josh Edwards, Nolen is indeed shown wearing a Packers jersey next to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “It’s highly likely,” Edwards notes for CBS, “that Green Bay will pick a defensive player in the first round, and addressing the defensive line makes sense after losing T.J. Slaton.”

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 305 pounds, Nolen is a formidable presence up front. Last season, he recorded 6.5 sacks, 48 total tackles, and two fumble recoveries. “There’s no doubt about his talent,” an NFC Scout mentioned to NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein.

“And his intensity on the field. He’s incredibly agile and explosive.” Nolen could become a cornerstone of Jeff Hafley’s defensive line and potentially one of the draft’s top picks if the Packers select him in the first round.