The pick is in. The Arizona Cardinals have strengthened their defensive front by drafting Ole Miss interior defensive lineman Walter Nolen in the first round. The Cardinals have spent the 2025 offseason overhauling their defense, and it looks like they aren’t quite finished.
Arizona Cardinals select Walter Nolen in the first round
Can you ever have enough quality pass rushers? Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort doesn’t seem to think so.
The Cardinals took Ole Miss product Walter Nolen with the 16th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Nolen, while slightly undersized for the position, plays with overwhelming power and athleticism. He consistently wins the leverage battle against opposing offensive linemen. Nolen shows surprising agility for a near-300-pound player.
At Ole Miss, Walter Nolen was used at multiple spots along the defensive front. His primary alignment is at 3-technique, lining up on the outside shoulder of the offensive guard.
Nolen can push the pocket with his raw strength or use his explosiveness to shoot through gaps and shut down plays.
Throughout the draft process, concerns about Nolen’s character have been the most consistent case against him as a prospect. NFL insider Albert Breer has reported that “Nolen’s practice habits and sense of entitlement have been questioned.”
The Arizona Cardinals brought Nolen in for a private visit in the weeks leading up to the draft. Clearly, they were comfortable enough with his character to spend a first-round pick on him.
In Jonathan Gannon’s defense, Nolen will rotate with Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Darius Robinson, and others on the defensive front. With such a deep group, each player will be able to stay fresh for key moments.
Nolen will get the opportunity to learn from veterans in Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson (both players are considered to show excellent character).
This feels like a pick that will either turn out to be a complete bust or a home run. Let’s hope for the latter.