In Tempe, Arizona, Walter Nolen has become a prominent figure in college football, with his recent move to the Arizona Cardinals marking a significant milestone in his career. After two seasons with Texas A&M, where his performance did not entirely satisfy expectations, Nolen transferred to Mississippi. It was here that his true potential began to unfold, establishing him as one of the nation’s elite defensive tackles in 2024.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 296 pounds, Nolen was selected by the Cardinals as the 16th pick in the NFL draft, signaling a proactive step by the franchise to strengthen its defensive line, which had been inconsistent the previous season. Nolen, 21, holds a high level of self-assuredness, likening his playstyle to that of the retired Aaron Donald, a formidable player who dominated the field with the Los Angeles Rams for a decade.
Driven by ambition, Nolen expressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy by the end of his career. Last season, he delivered an impressive performance with the Rebels, achieving 14 1/2 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks. Originally a five-star recruit, he initially committed to the Aggies before his transformative stint at Ole Miss, where he earned first-team AP All-America honors.
Despite concerns regarding his maturity and consistency on the field, Nolen appreciated the Cardinals’ willingness to listen to his perspective. He felt grateful for the opportunity presented by Arizona, stating, “The Cardinals took a chance on me and I’m blessed for that. Can’t wait to get there.”
The Arizona Cardinals are working towards completing a multi-year rebuilding phase, having made noticeable strides by improving their record to 8-9 last season from consecutive 4-13 records in 2022 and 2023. Both head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort are focused on securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2021.
Part of the Cardinals’ off-season strategy involved bolstering their defensive line through free agency with additions like Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Calais Campbell. With Nolen now in the mix, his standout season with Ole Miss promises to inject potential and competition into the team.
Nolen is eager to join the ranks of experienced players and looks forward to the competitive environment that awaits him in Arizona. The Cardinals, still active in the NFL draft, hold five additional picks, including two crucial selections on Friday at the 47th and 78th positions.
In the previous draft, the Cardinals had two first-round selections, acquiring Marvin Harrison Jr. as the No. 4 pick and Darius Robinson at No. 27. Harrison demonstrated promise in his rookie year, recording 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, while Robinson faced challenges due to a calf injury that limited his debut season.