The Packers have invested significant resources, both via the NFL Draft and in recent years at the top of the free agent market in bolstering quarterback Jordan Love‘s supporting cast on offense, and may be primed to replicate that strategy on defense.
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While Green Bay enters the final three weeks of the regular season all but assured a playoff berth for the second consecutive season, it has largely been Love and the offense that have been the driving force. That is, until rookie linebacker Edgerrin James’ performance for the ages on Sunday night in a 30-13 blowout victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Packers Projected to Add Dynamic Defensive Playmaker in 2025 NFL Draft
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has made significant strides this season, thanks in large part to Cooper’s recent emergence, and free agent addition Xavier McKinney playing at a Defensive Player of The Year caliber level at safety in his first season in a Packers uniform.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst may be primed, though, to add a young playmaker to the front-end of Hafley’s defense to complement an emerging secondary.
Ian Valentino projects the Packers will select Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen with the No. 27 overall pick in his latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft projection for The 33rd team.
“A selfless pass rusher who creates havoc without needing to be the one who gets credit for the sack,” Valentino Writes. “Walter Nolen can be the new face of the Green Bay defensive front.
“Not to be undersold as a tenacious run defender with excellent pursuit angles and high pedigree traits, Nolen is close to being the whole package who can contribute on every down.”
At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, Nolan has been a wrecking ball and tackles for loss machine throughout his collegiate career.
This season, Nolen logged 48 tackles while setting career highs with 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, in his lone season at Ole Miss.
Nolan has the size, temperament and productivity to be an immediate upgrade along the Packers’ defensive line, if he slides to them in next spring’s draft.
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