Leader of nations top run defense in 2024

Mike Spofford

Packers.com has consulted more than two dozen mock drafts from reputable national outlets and compiled a list of players most frequently mocked as draft selections in the latter portion of the first round (picks 18-28) who could be available when the Packers are on the clock at No. 23 overall.

Between now and draft day, those players will be profiled with thumbnail sketches and videos known as "Prospect Primers."

Today's player is

Walter Nolen, DL, Mississippi

Height/Weight:6-4, 296

Key stats:Posted 6 sacks among a team-leading 14 tackles for loss in 2024 over 13 starts.

College honors:Named first-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Southeastern Conference as well as a finalist for the Outland Trophy last season.

Background/other info:Tennessee native who attended three different high schools was the No. 1 recruit (or No. 2, depending on the publication) in the country in 2022. Finished his college career at Ole Miss after two seasons at Texas A&M where he started 14 games. In 2024, starting 13 games for the Rebels, solidified himself as one of the top interior D-linemen in this draft class by earning first-team All-America honors and being a finalist for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation's top offensive or defensive lineman. Was the anchor on the nation's No. 1 defense against the run and a unit that set Ole Miss school records for sacks and TFLs last season. Seen as capable of stepping in as a Day 1 starter in the NFL with room to grow and develop. One of few questions is a lack of arm length, which he makes up for with explosiveness and technique.