Former Texas A&M and Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen is poised to thrive with the Arizona Cardinals.
When Walter Nolen made the decision to transfer from Texas A&M to Ole Miss in 2024, he knew that the next chapter of his football career would be crucial. Little did anyone know that just a year later, he would be preparing for the NFL, with a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose with the Arizona Cardinals. The 2025 NFL Draft provided Nolen with that opportunity, and he is now in a position to excel in the NFL, where his combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability can help shape the future of the Cardinals’ defense.
Nolen, who made a significant impact during his time at both Texas A&M and Ole Miss, is a rare talent on the defensive line. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 320 pounds, he combines power and speed to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and disrupt the run game. As the Arizona Cardinals look to rebuild and create a new identity on defense, Nolen’s presence can be the cornerstone they need for future success. Here’s an in-depth look at Walter Nolen’s journey, his potential with the Cardinals, and why he’s poised to thrive at the next level.
The Path to the NFL: From Texas A&M to Ole Miss
Walter Nolen’s college journey began with high expectations. He was a five-star recruit out of the Memphis, Tennessee area, ranked as one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2022 recruiting class. His decision to commit to Texas A&M was a major win for the Aggies, who were looking to build a dominant defense. As a freshman, Nolen quickly earned a starting spot and showcased his raw power and ability to disrupt plays. He was a natural fit in A&M’s defense, showing flashes of the elite pass-rushing ability and run-stopping skills that made him one of the most highly regarded defensive players in his class.
In his first year at Texas A&M, Nolen recorded 34 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. However, despite his individual success, the Aggies’ defense as a whole struggled, and the team’s performance left Nolen feeling that a change might be needed to reach his full potential. After just one season at Texas A&M, Nolen made the decision to transfer to Ole Miss, a move that would ultimately set him on the path toward the NFL.
At Ole Miss, Nolen found a new system that better suited his style of play. Under head coach Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Chris Partridge, the Rebels ran a fast, aggressive defense that allowed Nolen to showcase his best traits. The change in scenery revitalized Nolen’s game, and in 2024, he had one of his best seasons to date. He became the centerpiece of Ole Miss’ defensive line, finishing with 42 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. His versatility became evident as he consistently moved along the defensive line, lining up as a defensive tackle, defensive end, and even an edge rusher when necessary.
The combination of Nolen’s size, athleticism, and high motor made him one of the most dangerous defensive linemen in college football. By the end of his second season, Nolen had not only proven that he was a top-tier talent but also that he had the versatility to succeed at the next level. His time at Ole Miss confirmed that he was ready for the NFL.
Why the Arizona Cardinals Were the Right Fit for Nolen
The Arizona Cardinals were in a rebuilding phase when they selected Walter Nolen in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the franchise looking to build a solid foundation for the future, particularly on defense, Nolen represented an ideal addition to a team that needed both talent and leadership on the defensive line. For a Cardinals defense that struggled in recent years to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stop the run, Nolen could be the key to revitalizing the unit.
One of the main reasons Nolen fits so well in Arizona is his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Whether it’s as a pass rusher, a run defender, or even a disruptor in the middle of the field, Nolen’s skills are diverse and make him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes. The Cardinals’ defense, which is undergoing a transformation under defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, could benefit from Nolen’s combination of physical traits and intelligence.
In a 3-4 defensive scheme, Nolen has the size and strength to play both as a traditional defensive tackle in the interior line or as a defensive end on the edge. His speed and agility allow him to be a flexible piece in the defensive front, giving Rallis the freedom to move him around to create mismatches. Arizona’s defense has lacked an elite pass rusher in recent years, and Nolen has the potential to be that game-changing force the Cardinals need.
Moreover, Nolen’s ability to dominate against the run is another reason he should thrive in Arizona. The Cardinals have struggled with run defense in recent seasons, and adding a player like Nolen, who can clog running lanes and shed blockers with ease, will help them shore up one of their biggest weaknesses. Nolen’s power at the point of attack and his ability to collapse the pocket on passing downs gives him the chance to become a cornerstone of the Arizona defense for years to come.
Nolen’s Strengths: Size, Power, and Versatility
One of the most notable aspects of Walter Nolen’s game is his rare combination of size and agility. At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Nolen is a physical specimen who can take on double teams and hold the line in the running game. But what sets him apart from other defensive linemen is his ability to move quickly for his size. Nolen has an impressive first step that allows him to explode off the line of scrimmage and put pressure on the quarterback from multiple angles.
His pass-rushing ability is another key strength. Despite his size, Nolen has refined his pass-rush technique, using his length and power to disengage from blockers and penetrate the pocket. Whether he’s coming from the interior or the edge, Nolen has the ability to disrupt plays and make quarterbacks uncomfortable. His 5 sacks in his final season at Ole Miss were a testament to his ability to pressure the quarterback and force bad throws.
In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Nolen’s ability to set the edge and stop the run is equally impressive. His strong hands and low center of gravity allow him to shed blockers and clog up running lanes, making him a key asset in both 1st and 2nd down situations. His tackling ability, particularly in short-yardage situations, makes him an effective run defender who can take on the physical demands of the NFL game.
The Arizona Cardinals’ Defensive Needs
The Arizona Cardinals have a clear need for impact players on the defensive line, and Nolen provides just that. Over the past few seasons, the Cardinals have struggled to find consistency along their defensive front, particularly when it comes to generating pressure on the quarterback. Their inability to consistently disrupt the passer has contributed to their defensive struggles, and it’s an area the front office was intent on addressing during the 2025 draft.
By selecting Nolen, the Cardinals are adding a versatile, athletic defensive lineman who can make an immediate impact. Arizona needs a player who can create chaos in the backfield, whether it’s through sacks or tackles for loss. Nolen is that player. His ability to generate pressure from anywhere on the line of scrimmage and his ability to disrupt both the run and pass game gives him the potential to become the anchor of the Cardinals’ defensive line.
Moreover, the Cardinals need players who can help elevate their younger defensive players. Nolen’s leadership qualities, work ethic, and experience in high-pressure situations make him a perfect mentor for the Cardinals’ developing defensive front. His impact goes beyond just his physical play — he has the chance to help change the culture of the Arizona defense.
Nolen’s NFL Future
The NFL is a league that demands consistent, high-level performance, and Walter Nolen has the tools to meet those demands. His size, power, and agility are all elite, and he has the mental approach and discipline to become a standout player at the next level. With the Arizona Cardinals providing him the opportunity to step into a key role on their defense, Nolen’s future in the NFL looks incredibly promising.
He has the chance to be a game-changing force for the Cardinals, impacting games from day one. Whether it’s setting the tone with a big stop on 3rd-and-1 or pressuring the quarterback on a crucial third down, Nolen has the ability to make the plays that matter most. With the right development and support, Walter Nolen could emerge as one of the NFL’s top defensive linemen, and the Arizona Cardinals could benefit immensely from having him in their front seven for years to come.
