NFL mock drafts already have the Cincinnati Bengals keying on Ole Miss interior defensive lineman Walter Nolen.

It would appear the Bengals themselves like the idea, too.

As pointed out in footage from the Senior Bowl, courtesy of the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin was getting a close look at Nolen during drills.

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We could handwave this as due diligence on top prospects and move on to something else, sure.

But this one feels notable. The defense needs an overhaul under returning yet new coordinator Al Golden and still needs to massage the wound of losing DJ Reader.

A disruptive, 6’3″, 304-pound-prospect like Nolen would fit nicely in a multi-front attack already boasting prospects Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson

If mock drafts weren’t enough, Tobin himself getting a close look should clue in fans to keeping tabs on Nolen all spring.

For what it’s worth, that’s Duke Tobin in the grey jacket and hat watching the interior d-linemen including Walter Nolen up close #Bengals pic.twitter.com/kKZDYfh5yU

— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) January 28, 2025