Arizona Cardinals Make Surprise Pick with Walter Nolen in NFL Draft
In a move that has left many in the NFL community scratching their heads, the Arizona Cardinals have selected defensive tackle Walter Nolen from Ole Miss with their pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to The Athletic, the Cardinals’ decision to take Nolen, a player who was considered one of the most talented recruits in the country just a few years ago, has raised eyebrows.
Nolen, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound powerhouse, was ranked as the number one recruit in the country coming out of high school. He has all the physical traits that NFL teams look for in a defensive tackle, including strong hands and the ability to maul opposing linemen. However, as The Athletic notes, Nolen’s college career has been marked by inconsistency. Despite his impressive physical abilities, he often struggled with his assignment against the run and lacked a clear plan in pass-rush situations.
Despite these concerns, Nolen did show flashes of brilliance at Ole Miss, finishing the season with 14 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks. As The Athletic reports, the Cardinals clearly believe that they can help Nolen reach his full potential and become a star in the NFL. The question is, did they overpay for him?
The Athletic’s analysis of Nolen’s game notes that "he plays hard, but he was too often lost with his assignment against the run and didn’t have much of a plan other than to bull forward in pass-rush situations." This lack of refinement in his game is likely to raise concerns about whether Nolen can make the transition to the NFL successfully.
In grading the pick, The Athletic gave the Cardinals a B- for selecting Nolen. The report notes that "selecting Nolen ahead of Derrick Harmon is certainly interesting, but Arizona clearly believes it can smooth out Nolen’s rough spots and help him grow into a star." However, the report also suggests that this feels like a bit of a reach given the other talent on the board, including at defensive tackle.
The Cardinals’ decision to select Nolen will likely be debated by NFL fans and analysts for weeks to come. As The Athletic notes, Nolen has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL, but he will need to refine his game and become more consistent if he is to live up to his draft billing. Only time will tell if the Cardinals’ gamble on Nolen will pay off.
The 2025 NFL Draft has been marked by surprise picks and unexpected trades, and the Cardinals’ selection of Nolen is just the latest example. As fans and analysts continue to dissect the draft, one thing is certain: the Cardinals are betting big on Nolen’s potential, and it will be fascinating to see how it all plays out. According to The Athletic, the jury is still out on this pick, but one thing is clear: the Cardinals are hoping that Nolen will be a key contributor to their team for years to come.
In related news, NFL fans can expect to see a lot of Nolen on the field in the coming weeks and months. As The Athletic reports, the Cardinals are expected to give Nolen a significant role in their defence, and fans will be eagerly anticipating his debut. With his impressive physical abilities and potential for growth, Nolen is a player to watch in the NFL.
The NFL Draft is always a time of excitement and uncertainty, and the 2025 draft has been no exception. As The Athletic continues to provide expert analysis and commentary on all the latest developments, one thing is certain: the Cardinals’ selection of Walter Nolen is a pick that will be debated for a long time to come.
The Athletic’s expert analysis provides valuable insights into the NFL Draft and its many surprises. As a leading source of sports news and information, The Athletic is committed to providing readers with the most up-to-date and accurate information available.
