The Dallas Cowboys know that there will immediately be high expectations for new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.  After Mike McCarthy won 12 games, three years in a row, the 2024 season was riddled with injuries and poor play.  That led to a 7-10 record and McCarthy being let go.

However, it would appear Dallas could be interested in adding a monster to their team that would be an immediate upgrade.

Cowboys See 6’4″ Monster Announce He’s In Dallas (Report)

Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detail view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detail view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Many expect that the Cowboys will add a wide receiver in the first round, but they’re keeping their options open. On Friday, Dallas met with a prospect who is slated to go in Round 1:

Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen is set to visit the team, as reported by Aaron Wilson. Nolen confirmed as much when he shared a picture of his plane landing at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.

 

Nolen is known for his ability to rush the passer, racking up 6.5 sacks in his final season with the Rebels. Dallas already has a 3-tech capable of causing mayhem in Osa Odighizuwa, who signed a four-year, $80 million extension this offseason.

That’s why Nolen’s run-stopping is important. In 2024, he was one of the best in the nation at stopping the run, earning a 91.7 run-stop grade, which was No. 1 in the SEC.

Even with that impressive grade, it’s hard to see the Cowboys targeting Nolen with the 12th pick. They have far greater needs and could do just as much to improve their defensive line by targeting a nose tackle later in the draft.

Sep 7, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders offensive linemen Ellis Adams (71) blocks Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Walter Nolen (2) during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders offensive linemen Ellis Adams (71) blocks Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Walter Nolen (2) during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Here is a look at Nolen’s college stats:

Tackles Def Interceptions Fumbles
Season Team Conf Class Pos G Solo Ast Comb TFL Sk Int Yds IntTD PD FR Yds FRTD FF Awards
2022 Texas A&M SEC FR DL 10 17 12 29 3 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 9 0 1
2023* Texas A&M SEC SO DL 12 20 17 37 9 4.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
2024* Ole Miss SEC SR DT 13 25 23 48 14 6.5 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 AA
Career 35 62 52 114 26 11.5 0 0 0 4 3 9 0 1
Ole Miss (1 Yr) 13 25 23 48 14 6.5 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0
Texas A&M (2 Yrs) 22 37 29 66 12 5.0 0 0 0 1 1 9 0 1
Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; A view of Dallas Cowboys players' helmets on the bench against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; A view of Dallas Cowboys players’ helmets on the bench against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports