BREAKING: The Cardinals Select Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen with the 16th Overall Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
In a stunning turn of events during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals have selected Walter Nolen, the standout defensive tackle from Ole Miss, with the 16th overall pick. Nolen’s selection signals a bold move by the Cardinals as they aim to bolster their defensive front and provide a significant upgrade to their roster.
Walter Nolen has been turning heads since he first set foot on the college football field. Standing 6’4” and weighing in at 320 pounds, he possesses both the physical presence and the explosive athleticism that NFL teams covet in a defensive tackle. A highly-rated recruit out of high school, Nolen’s transition to college football only solidified his reputation as one of the premier defensive linemen in the nation.
At Ole Miss, Nolen showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. In his junior season, he recorded 65 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks, earning him first-team All-SEC honors. His exceptional agility combined with his strength made him a constant threat, able to penetrate backfields and create havoc for quarterbacks and running backs alike. It’s this combination of size, speed, and skill that had many analysts projecting him as a top 10 pick in this year’s draft.
The Cardinals entered the 2025 NFL Draft with various needs, including offensive line help, wide receivers, and defensive reinforcements. However, with their defensive line underperforming in 2024, general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon made a bold decision to strengthen the core of their defense by selecting Nolen.
“Our defensive line needed a serious influx of talent, and Walter is exactly the kind of player we were looking for. He has the ability to immediately impact games and fits perfectly into our defensive schemes,” Ossenfort said during a post-draft press conference.
Nolen is expected to have an immediate impact on the Cardinals’ defensive scheme. He possesses the versatility to play both the one and three techniques in a 4-3 setup, making him an ideal fit for Gannon’s defensive philosophy, which emphasizes multiple fronts and dynamic rotations. His ability to occupy blockers and disrupt plays stands to benefit the Cardinals’ linebackers, allowing them more freedom to roam and make plays.
The Cardinals’ defense has struggled in recent years to consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With Nolen’s pass-rushing skills, Arizona hopes to transform its defensive outlook. If he can translate his college success into the NFL, Nolen could become a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.
The reaction to Nolen’s selection has been largely positive among analysts. Many believe he possesses the elite talent necessary to thrive at the professional level. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah highlighted Nolen as a “game-wrecker” who could change the direction of the Cardinals’ defense.
“He’s not just a player who takes up space; he can make plays in the backfield and cause fumbles,” Jeremiah pointed out. “This was an excellent pick for a team that needed some youth and energy on defense.”
Cardinals fans, who have seen various struggles over recent seasons, have been vocal in their excitement. The hope is that Nolen can provide a spark and lead a resurgence for a team that has been searching for consistency.
With Nolen entering the professional ranks, comparisons to established NFL talents are inevitable. Some analysts have already drawn parallels between Nolen and players like Jeffery Simmons and Chris Jones. Both of these players have made significant impacts on their respective teams and have earned accolades based on their performances.
For Nolen, high expectations come with the territory of being a first-round pick. By stepping into a league populated with established stars, he will be under pressure to deliver immediately. However, given his college track record and high football IQ, many believe he is capable of handling this burden.
As the Cardinals move forward with their new addition, the focus will be on Nolen’s development through training camp and preseason activities. Expectations are for him to compete for a starting spot from day one, potentially forming a potent duo on the defensive line alongside returning players. His ability to adapt to NFL gameplay will be critical, as he will need to adjust to the speed and physicality of the professional ranks.
Moreover, the Cardinals’ coaching staff will play an essential role in maximizing Nolen’s talent. Gannon’s experience—stemming from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped develop successful young talents—might serve Nolen well. The impact of coaching on a rookie’s growth can never be understated, and the Cardinals seem committed to providing Nolen with the tools necessary to succeed.
Walter Nolen’s selection with the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is more than just a noteworthy addition to the Cardinals—it’s a reflection of their vision for the future. As they continue to build a foundation capable of contending in the NFC West, Nolen represents a key piece in their long-term strategy.
With his combination of size, quickness, and skill, the Arizona Cardinals are poised to make substantial strides forward as they strive to build a dominant defensive unit. Only time will tell how Nolen adapts to the NFL, but one thing is clear: he has arrived with significant expectations, and the Cardinals believe he is the catalyst needed for their defensive revival.
As the fall approaches and the NFL season draws closer, all eyes will be on Nolen as he looks to prove himself in the league and help the Cardinals reclaim their status among competitive teams in a challenging division. The journey begins now, and the excitement surrounding Walter Nolen is palpable as he prepares to take his first steps into the NFL spotlight.
