In a move that has stirred excitement across the desert, the Arizona Cardinals selected defensive tackle Walter Nolen with the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The choice to add Nolen to their defensive line represents a bold step in the team’s commitment to building a more formidable defense and improving their ability to stop the run, pressure opposing quarterbacks, and ultimately, become contenders in a competitive NFC West division. This selection is a reflection of the Cardinals’ long-term vision and their desire to fortify one of the most crucial positions in football.
The Case for Walter Nolen
Walter Nolen’s journey to the NFL is one filled with promise and potential. As one of the most highly-touted prospects in the 2025 draft class, Nolen has all the physical tools necessary to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at around 320 pounds, he combines elite size with incredible athleticism, making him a nightmare for offensive linemen to block. His sheer strength and explosiveness allow him to dominate both in the trenches and as a pass rusher.
Coming out of high school in Memphis, Tennessee, Nolen was widely regarded as one of the top recruits in the country. He quickly made his presence felt as a freshman at the University of Tennessee, starting immediately and showcasing his ability to disrupt plays. Over the course of his college career, Nolen’s growth as a player has been nothing short of remarkable, with his combination of power, speed, and technique making him one of the top defensive tackles available in the draft.
Nolen is known for his ability to penetrate offensive lines and cause chaos in the backfield. His quick first step and relentless motor allow him to shed blocks and make plays in the running game, while his pass-rushing skills have steadily improved, making him a versatile threat. Whether it’s occupying space to free up teammates or blowing up plays himself, Nolen has proven that he can impact the game in multiple ways. His size and physicality in the trenches are complemented by his understanding of leverage and pad level, which makes him even more difficult to block.
While Nolen is still developing his pass-rush moves and could benefit from additional refinement in that area, his ceiling as a disruptive force along the defensive line is incredibly high. Many analysts have labeled him a potential future All-Pro due to his combination of size, athleticism, and growing football IQ. That’s why the Cardinals, who have been searching for a dominant force in the interior defensive line for several years, are betting on Nolen to be a cornerstone player for their defense.
Arizona’s Defensive Needs
Over the past few seasons, the Arizona Cardinals have struggled defensively, particularly against the run and in pressuring the quarterback. The team has allowed an average of over 120 rushing yards per game in the last few seasons, ranking among the worst in the NFL in terms of run defense. This weakness has been a point of contention, especially in the NFC West, where teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks emphasize a powerful rushing attack to control the tempo of games.
At the same time, the Cardinals’ pass rush has been inconsistent. Though they have some talented players on the edge, like linebacker Isaiah Simmons and defensive end Zaven Collins, their ability to generate pressure from the interior has been lacking. This has allowed opposing quarterbacks to feel comfortable in the pocket, contributing to a lack of sacks and quarterback hits.
In selecting Nolen, the Cardinals are addressing both of these issues head-on. Nolen’s presence in the middle of the defensive line will help clog running lanes and make it more difficult for opposing offenses to run the ball effectively. His ability to push the pocket and collapse the interior will also give the Cardinals’ edge rushers more opportunities to attack quarterbacks, as Nolen will occupy blockers and create more one-on-one opportunities for his teammates.
Additionally, Nolen’s development as a pass rusher will only add to the Cardinals’ ability to disrupt passing plays. His speed off the ball and strength will allow him to generate interior pressure, which is critical in today’s NFL, where quarterbacks are increasingly skilled at evading pressure from the edges. A dominant defensive tackle like Nolen can completely change the dynamic of a defense and force opposing offenses to adjust their game plans.
A Strong Fit in Arizona’s Defensive Scheme
The Arizona Cardinals run a 3-4 defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, and Nolen is an ideal fit for the system. While his primary role would be as a defensive tackle, he has the versatility to move along the defensive front and play in multiple positions. In the 3-4 defense, the defensive tackle is often asked to occupy multiple blockers and clog running lanes, allowing the outside linebackers to rush the passer. Nolen’s size and strength make him well-suited to these responsibilities.
In addition to his ability to occupy blockers, Nolen has the quickness to be effective as a pass rusher, even from the interior. His ability to collapse the pocket and push offensive linemen into the quarterback’s lap will help the Cardinals generate pressure and disrupt the rhythm of opposing passing games. This versatility is exactly what the team needs, as it allows them to get creative with their defensive line rotations and shift Nolen around to exploit mismatches.
Another key element of Nolen’s game is his high football IQ. He understands how to read offensive linemen and exploit their weaknesses. This awareness will allow him to thrive in the Cardinals’ defensive system, where players are asked to adjust to different formations and assignments. Nolen’s ability to play with leverage and use his hands effectively will be crucial in this regard.
The Long-Term Outlook for the Cardinals Defense
The selection of Nolen at No. 16 overall signals the Arizona Cardinals’ commitment to improving their defense in a division that is full of offensive firepower. The NFC West has some of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, including the Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford, Seattle Seahawks’ Geno Smith, and the San Francisco 49ers’ Trey Lance. To succeed in the division and make a run at the playoffs, the Cardinals will need to be able to pressure these quarterbacks and prevent them from dominating games.
Nolen represents a long-term solution for the Cardinals’ defensive line. He has the potential to be a foundational player for years to come, capable of anchoring the defense and helping to turn it into one of the more formidable units in the NFL. The addition of Nolen, along with other recent draft picks and free-agent acquisitions, gives the Cardinals a solid foundation to build upon. With his presence in the middle of the line, the Cardinals can focus on further developing their linebackers and secondary, knowing that Nolen will help create a strong front.
Moreover, Nolen’s selection sets the stage for an exciting era of Arizona football. The team has been rebuilding under head coach Jonathan Gannon, and his defense will rely heavily on players like Nolen to set the tone. The combination of Nolen’s potential, the team’s other young talent, and a renewed focus on defense should position the Cardinals to become more competitive in the coming seasons.
A New Era for the Arizona Cardinals
With Nolen’s selection, the Arizona Cardinals are not just picking a player; they are signaling their commitment to a new era of tough, physical football. This pick signifies a shift in the team’s approach, as they look to build a team capable of competing with the best in the NFC. Nolen’s impact won’t be limited to just his on-field abilities but will also serve as a catalyst for further defensive improvements. As he develops and grows into his role, there is little doubt that he will become one of the cornerstones of the franchise, helping to bring a renewed sense of identity to the Arizona Cardinals’ defense.
Ultimately, the selection of Walter Nolen is a step in the right direction for the Arizona Cardinals. His potential to disrupt the game both as a run stopper and pass rusher makes him an invaluable asset. By investing in Nolen, the Cardinals are positioning themselves to build a defense that will be feared across the league and provide the foundation for future success. This pick may prove to be one of the most significant moves in the team’s efforts to return to prominence in the NFC West and beyond.
