“You know who the best (defensive back) was in L.A. over the last 10 years?” LaFleur asked. “Aaron Donald.”

The comparison to Donald, in any terms, is one Nolen hoped to get when he was drafted into the NFL in the spring of 2025. 

Between two injuries, a calf issue that slowed his start and a knee injury that ended his rookie season prematurely, Nolen showed flashes of brilliance last year. In just six games, he generated two sacks, 13 QB pressures, a 14.0% QB pressure rate – third highest among all DTs with at least 150 snaps last season, per Next Gen Stats. While the sample is small, Nolan’s upside is extreme.

In a league where DTs have been getting paid as recognition of their importance, Nolen is aware of his opportunity to reshape the rebuilding Cardinals’ defense.

“I feel like I’m the heartbeat of the defense,” Nolen said. “A lot of times when I am on the field, things move a little differently. When I’m on the field, I feel like we’re going to kick ass.”

The key will be staying on the field in 2026.