The Arizona Cardinals made a significant move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Walter Nolen, a standout defensive tackle from Ole Miss, with the 16th overall pick. Nolen's college career was marked by impressive stats, including 10.5 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss, and 85 tackles over his final two seasons.

Nolen's Impact on the Field Walter Nolen's ability to disrupt the pocket and his relentless motor caught the attention of Cardinals' head coach Jonathan Gannon. "Disruption, disruption," Gannon emphasized. "We wanted to have a more disruptive defensive unit, and Walter is another guy that we think can help us do that."

Scouting and Evaluation The Cardinals' scouting team had been closely monitoring Nolen since last fall, attending his games and meeting him at the NFL Combine. General Manager Monti Ossenfort described Nolen as a "violent, disruptive, high motor, tenacious, three-down player," highlighting the rarity of such impactful interior linemen.

Nolen's Character and Team Dynamics Beyond his on-field prowess, Nolen's character stood out. After the Cardinals drafted cornerback Will Johnson in the second round, Nolen reached out to Gannon, asking for Johnson's number to offer support. This gesture left a lasting impression on Gannon, who noted, "Those things go unnoticed, but this is going to be a close group and a close-knit team."

Nolen's Confidence and Versatility Nolen's confidence is palpable. "I would say I'm a unicorn just to kind of sum it up," Nolen said. "I can do whatever for you in any given situation just as long as I get the right coaching. I can take it from there." His versatility and ability to play significant snaps against no-huddle offenses further solidify his value to the Cardinals.

With Nolen's addition, the Arizona Cardinals are poised to enhance their defensive capabilities, making them a team to watch in the upcoming NFL season.