Cardinals first-round draft pick Walter Nolen might be the centerpiece of two emerging NFL trends.
NFL teams are expected to have an increased emphasis on the running game in 2025, which could play right into the hands of Arizona’s new defensive tackle, the 16th overall pick.
And, teams saw how the Eagles dominated Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl with their overwhelming pass rush. Getting after the quarterback will continue to be a priority for NFL teams and could be the quickest way to defensive success.
Enter, Walter Nolen.
Nolen, all 6-foot-4, 300 pounds of him, could be right in the middle of everything.
The Cardinals’ defensive plan
Nolen should be a big part of what I believe the Cardinals’ defensive scheme and plan will be.
Again, following the Eagles’ blueprint — partly constructed by Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon, who was Philadelphia's defensive coordinator before coming to the Cardinals — Arizona will use a rotating number of defensive linemen to keep players fresh. And they will go full blast after quarterbacks.
The Cardinals re-signed defensive tackles L.J. Collier and Calais Campbell this offseason. They signed free-agent edge Josh Sweat and defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson. Plus, add Darius Robinson, a first-round defensive end in 2023 who was limited to six games because of injury.
Now, add Nolen to the mix.
Arizona ranked 21st in total defense in 2024, 20th against the run. The Cardinals were 15th in sacks with 41, 22 sacks behind league-leading Denver. Nolen can help against the run and against the quarterback.
Sixteen players had double-digit sacks in 2024, led by the Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson with 17.5. Sweat had eight.
Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins led the team with five sacks in 17 games in 2024. Defensive tackle Dante Stills had 4.5 sacks in 16 games.
It is reasonable to expect Nolen to at least match Collins’ sack total. The Cardinals expect increased pressure from the edges, which means defensive tackles can get sacks as quarterbacks step up into the pocket. Nolen had 6.5 sacks last season with Ole Miss.
Nolen’s greatest value might be in stopping the run. The first nine Cardinals’ tackle leaders in 2024 were either in the secondary or at linebacker. Dante Stills was the leading tackler along the defensive line with 42. Safety Budda Baker led the Cardinals with 164, second in the NFL behind the Colts' Zaire Franklin with 173.
At Ole Miss last year, Nolen had 48 tackles playing in the SEC, a conference brimming with future NFL players.
Baker also led the Cardinals with 10 tackles for loss. This is another area where Nolen should help with his size and strength. Nolen had 14 tackles for loss last season.
Nolen to start immediately?
NFL teams expect first-round draft picks to play immediately, maybe even start. Nolen has the talent to be the opening day starter … while learning from his experienced teammates.
Cardinals fans shouldn’t expect All-Pro stats from Nolen as a rookie. His greatest value will be in helping improve the Cardinals’ overall defense.
Should Nolen match what he accomplished at Ole Miss — 6.5 sacks, 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss — he will have enjoyed a successful season, and so will the Cardinals’ defense.