Kiper's latest mock draft lands the 49ers a disruptive Ole Miss DT, betting on high-upside traits for their defensive front.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. dropped his latest mock draft, and this time, he has the San Francisco 49ers doing something they rarely do early and that is investing in the defensive line.
It’s been a minute since the 49ers used premium capital to reinforce the interior, but in Kiper’s projection, they stop a talented prospect from sliding any further.
Walter Nolen, DT
Ole Miss Rebels
On paper, Walter Nolen feels like a very “49ers” selection.
Former five-star recruit. Elite first-step explosiveness. Disruptive traits that flash on every other snap.
But like many high-upside defensive linemen, the tape comes with variance.
The pros? Dominant.
Nolen can collapse the pocket in an instant. His burst off the ball forces guards to open their hips early, and once he wins leverage, plays end quickly. When he strings moves together, he looks like a future Pro Bowl-caliber three-technique.
The cons? Consistency and motor questions.
There are stretches where Nolen disappears. Pad level rises. Counters stall out. Against more physical interior lines, he can get washed if he doesn’t win immediately.
Why the Fit Makes Sense
The 49ers have long prioritized trench dominance. Even after moving on from high-priced veterans in recent seasons, the philosophy has always been to build the defense from the front forward.
Nolen would slot into a rotation that desperately needs interior help. San Francisco generated some pressure in 2025, but much of it came from the edges. Interior disruption was inconsistent, particularly on obvious passing downs.
At 6-foot-4 and roughly 300 pounds, Nolen has the frame and athleticism to thrive as a penetrating three-technique in a wide-nine scheme and he wouldn’t have to be the guy right away.
He could rotate early, develop his hand usage and counters, and refine his run defense while contributing situational pass-rush juice. That’s a luxury many first-round defensive tackles don’t get.
Traits Over Floor?
Kiper’s projection would signal a bet on upside.
Nolen’s recruiting pedigree is elite. He was one of the top defensive prospects in his high school class and arrived in college with massive expectations. The flashes show why.
But the NFL is about consistency.
If the 49ers believe their coaching staff can iron out the snap-to-snap variance, this could be the type of pick that looks risky on draft night but brilliant two years later.
If not? It’s another talented defensive lineman who never fully puts it together.
The Bigger Picture
San Francisco’s roster doesn’t scream “defensive tackle must be addressed in Round 1,” but it also doesn’t scream stability or dominance at the position long term.
This regime has never been afraid to invest in the trenches early. And if the board falls a certain way, an offensive lineman worth the price tag, grabbing a disruptive interior force could be the move.
Kiper’s mock might not be the consensus prediction but if a high-ceiling defensive tackle is sitting there when the 49ers are on the clock, don’t be surprised if they lean into traits.