Walter Nolen setting up to be difference maker for Cardinals in 2025 season

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

GLENDALE – It has been two weeks since Arizona Cardinals rookie defensive tackle Walter Nolen has had his 21-day practice window open, and it’s been nothing but violence. Plenty of clips have emerged from this week’s practice of the pent up anger of Nolen expressed through the team’s drills. Teammates and coaches have been impressed by how the 22-year-old has come back to practice, including defensive coordinator Walter Nolen.

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Rallis on the growth from Nolen since his return:

The former 16th overall pick has been sidelined since rookie training camp this past summer with a calf injury. This week is the first time Nolen had a real practice with his new NFL teammates and he has come out the gates motivated to prove his worth on the field. His veteran teammates, like Calais Campbell, have spoke highly of the young defensive lineman’s power and raw ability and can see him take up the mantle of Arizona’s leader in the trenches.

The former Ole Miss product still has another week before it is mandatory he is activated to the 53-man roster. Despite the flashes he has shown in practice, Nolen still hasn’t been activated, leading to him not making his NFL debut until likely Week 10 vs. the Seattle Seahawks. However, nothing is certain, as head coach Jonathan Gannon likes to keep everything close to the chest. Regardless, the glimpses shown of his abilities in practice could turn a bottom half pass rush into something special.

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports