Cardinals fortify D-line, take Walter Nolen

The Arizona Cardinals selected Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 16th overall.

Nolen posted a career-best 6.5 sacks during his first and only season at Ole Miss in 2024. Nolen started his career at Texas A&M, recording one sack in 2022 and four in 2023.

The Cardinals were in need of pass-rush help as no player on their defense recorded more than five sacks last season.

Pre-draft profile

Nolen's flashes are as exciting as any defensive lineman in this draft. His unique athletic traits, including explosiveness off the ball and impressive agility for his size, can make him a nightmare for interior offensive linemen to keep under control. His power can also be overwhelming when he plays with good pad level and technique. But the consistency is lacking in that regard. He can occasionally be washed out of a play because of poor hand usage or getting too upright out of his stance. He'll also need a more sound pass-rush plan for consistent wins at the next level. Drafting Nolen early is a bet that he'll put it all together at the next level and turn those flashes of brilliance into regular dominance. Some risk is involved, but the ceiling is a true game-changer on the interior defensive front. That kind of player is always worth the gamble.