GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals continue to fortify its defensive line with 16th overall pick Walter Nolen out of Ole Miss. In his three-year collegiate career, he played his first two with the Aggies, combing for 12 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. However, in his lone season with the Rebels, Nolen surpassed both those numbers, recording 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 in just his junior year.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Nolen arrival in Arizona will help the franchise’s lackluster pass rush in 2024. The Cardinals’ first-round pick called himself a “unicorn” and will be under the wings of other new experienced defensive linemen, Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell, to help with his development. If it’s similar to how Nolen adapted in his early high school career, he’ll make an instant impact on the team.
Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen watches from the sideline during the Ole Miss Grove Bowl Games at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Apr. 13, 2024. Syndication: The Clarion-Ledger
Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort draft day call to Nolen:
Nolen playing career thus far:
Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Walter Nolen (2) and linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) reacts after a tackle during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Out of Powell High School in Tennessee, Nolen was named the #1 recruit by ESPN in 2021. He was named an Under Armor All-American his senior season, where he led Powell to a Class 5A state championship, tallying 17 sacks and 33.0 tackles for loss throughout the year. Nolen showcased his ability to play on both sides of the ball, rushing for six rushing touchdowns for Powell.
The Memphis native would commit to Texas A&M, where he only started in 14 of 22 games. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin secured Nolen in the transfer portal and allowed him to run rampant with the Rebels. The 1st-team All-American helped lead the program to the best-rushing defense in the nation, having an individual PFF run defense grade of 91.6 (2nd in Division 1).
Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Walter Nolen (2) reaches to knock the ball loose from LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Cardinals drafting Nolen becomes the first time in the modern draft era that the franchise selected defensive linemen in back-to-back drafts, with their selection of Darius Robinson 27th overall last year. Since 1970, Arizona has selected eight defensive tackles in the first round, using four of the past six first-round picks to improve the front seven.
Arizona continued improving its defense with the selection of Nolen, who fit in perfectly with head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis’s scheme. The 21-year-old is only the first of the Cardinals’ six picks in the 2025 draft, with them on the clock for the 47th and 78th overall picks for Day 2.
Arizona Cardinals select Walter Nolen 16th overall in 2025 NFL Draft
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
