Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) is introduced before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025.Syndication: Arizona Republic
GLENDALE – While injuries have tried to slow down Arizona Cardinals rookie defensive tackle Walter Nolen, nothing can stop this 6’4 300-pound beast. The 16th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft missed the entire preseason and the team’s first seven games of the year. Much was unknown on the impact Nolen would make in his eventual debut, but no one could’ve prepared for Week 9.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Against the Dallas Cowboys on National television, the former Ole Miss product recorded a sack, two tackles for loss and a batted pass in Arizona’s 27-17 win. Nolen’s debut set the standard of his ability that he has continuously matched since then. Even after leaving Week 12 with an injury, his 101 defensive snaps of the season places him as one of the best 2025 rookies, according to Pro Football Focus’ writer Lauren Gray.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) eyes San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Gray on Nolen’s impact in limited snaps:
“Nolen has logged a 73.5 PFF run-defense grade, powered by five tackles with three stops across 44 snaps. He’s generating a 22.7% positive play rate as a run defender. He also ranks seventh in PFF pass-rush grade (78.7) and 15th in pass-rush win rate (13.7%). He has notched a sack, a quarterback hit and a batted pass across 51 such snaps.”
Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Walter Nolen III (97) returns a fumble for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
With a PFF grade of 84.6, the gap between Nolen and the second-highest grade is larger than the disparity among second and sixth. When the 22-year-old is on the field, he makes plays. The most notable example of this is in Week 12 when he recovered the strip sack and dived in the touchdown.
Arizona has had a history of top picks over the past few years falling short of expectations, whether for reasons they can control or not. However, Nolen has more than exceeded expectations placed on him by the Cardinals and looks primed to explode into a serious contend as the best defensive rookie in this class.
Marvin Harrison Jr. has “solid” chance to return for Cardinals in Week 13 vs. Buccaneers
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
