A standout defensive tackle that could help the Dolphins, UM prospects and more Senior Bowl notes
Walter Nolen looked phenomenal.
A 6-3, 305-pound defensive tackle out of Ole Miss, Nolen dominated 1-on-1s on Tuesday which led to him being double-teamed in subsequent scrimmages for the rest of practice. When he wasn’t doubled, Nolen wreaked havoc in the backfield. After the defensive lineman initially participated in 1-on-1s on Wednesday, he was noticeably absent during scrimmages. It’s unclear why.
Nolen, however, has climbed draft boards — even before his outstanding Day 1 performance. Bleacher Report ranked him as the 18th-best prospect. The Athletic has him at 28. And Pro Football Focus graded him at 88.2, higher than several top defensive tackle prospects including Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams (78.5), Michigan’s Kenneth Grant (83) and Oregon’s Derrick Harmon (84.3).
And just why is this significant?
The Miami Dolphins have a hole to fill on the defensive line alongside Pro Bowl snub Zach Sieler. A guy who amassed 6.5 sacks and an eye-popping 25 hurries in 2024 might be just the person the Dolphins need.
Canes Updates
▪ Receiver Xavier Restrepo had an OK first two days. His route-running ability was put on full display on Tuesday during one-on-ones when he created separation from a cornerback yet slipped as he came out of the break for the comeback. He also had the second-highest total yardage ran at more than 4,600 yards, according to the Zebra MotionWorks Tracker. For context, University of Southern California defensive back Jaylin Smith had the overall fastest speed at 21.6 mph.
Restrepo exhibited the same route-running prowess Wednesday yet was overthrown at least twice. He also took some reps at punt returner on both days.
▪ Damien Martinez hit the third-fastest speed for running backs Tuesday at roughly 19.8 mph, per the Zebra MotionWorks Tracker. Who had the No. 1 spot at the position? University of Georgia’s Trevor Etienne at about 20.2.
▪ Among tight ends and linebackers, Elijah Arroyo hit a top speed of 19.23 miles per hour, the fifth-fastest mark at their positions. Arroyo came within a roughly one mph from the top spot. He has consistently been noted as one of biggest beneficiaries of the Senior Combine as the UM tight end has exhibited all the skills — route-running, speed, soft hands, etc. — that could make him a worthwhile investment.
▪ Offensive lineman Jalen Rivers showcased his versatility on both days, lining up at right guard and tackle but also center.
▪ Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal made sure to congratulate his former players after Tuesday’s practice.
Odds and ends
▪ Jason Taylor, the Dolphins legend and memeber of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was in the building to support his son Mason, a standout tight end from Louisiana State University.
▪ Dolphins general manager Chris Grier was spotted on Tuesday and Wednesday.
▪ Another offensive lineman, North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel, has emerged the past two days. He has strength, great hands and quick feet — in addition to positional versatility as he lined up at both guard spots and center on Wednesday. Definitely a guy who will surely rise on draft boards.
▪ A little more than a week after a devastating 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship, he Fighting Irish had three players — quarterback Riley Leonard, linebacker Jack Kiser and edge rusher R.J. Oben — at the Senior Bowl. Coach Marcus Freeman was in the building and made sure to snap a photo with his former players.
Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, a consensus top-50 prospect, originally accepted the Senior Bowl invite but decided to opt out due to the extended postseason, per The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. He will likely be a player that the Dolphins evaluate considering their two safety spots that Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer previously occupied are currently free agents.
This story was originally published January 29, 2025 at 5:03 PM.
