Darius Robinson and Walter Nolen III going back-to-back during Round 2 of Cardinals OTAs. pic.twitter.com\/4HZWPW7gEy<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) June 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n And while the reasoning behind why Nolen was held back last week remains unknown \u2014 head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed it was not injury- or contract-related \u2014 what isn\u2019t is the rookie\u2019s early impression on his defensive coordinator.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew he was going to be the talent that we saw on tape, but I would say he\u2019s very coachable, great to work with,\u201d Nick Rallis said Tuesday. \u201cYou see him take those coaching points immediately to the field, whether that\u2019s in individual (work) or we\u2019re going against the offense. I can tell he studies hard outside of the building because he\u2019s got things down pretty fast. Pretty impressive so far.\u201d<\/p>\n Nolen heads into Year 1 with a real shot at earning a meaningful role within Rallis\u2019 defensive line rotation. Starting is very much on the table, though he has his work cut out for him in a room that includes fellow newcomers Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson plus returning pieces Darius Robinson, Dante Stills, L.J. Collier, Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols.<\/p>\n Any added leg up Nolen can get could end up being the difference in starting reps. However it shakes out, it at least appears that he\u2019s on the right track despite last week\u2019s mystery sideline work.<\/p>\n \u201cI know he\u2019s going to be a great player, great teammate,\u201d Robinson said, adding Nolen bought his fellow Cardinals Epsom salt, last week. \u201cHe\u2019s a high character young man and he\u2019s a really good teammate. I\u2019m excited to make some plays with him.\u201d<\/p>\n The 3 things about Cardinals\u2019 Will Johnson<\/p>\n Aside from Nolen, another early-round Cardinals draft pick is catching the eye of Rallis early on in his tenure with the team.<\/p>\n So far, second-round pick Will Johnson is showing why he was viewed by many as a first-round talent before sliding to No. 47 overall.<\/p>\n \u201cWork ethic No. 1. Talent No. 2. Intelligence No. 3. I guess it\u2019s pretty simple, but he\u2019s been phenomenal to work with,\u201d Rallis said. \u201cI mean honestly both those rookie corners, (Denzel Burke) as well. \u2026 They\u2019re serious pros and they\u2019ve put in a tremendous amount of work so far and they\u2019re going to keep doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n With veteran Sean Murphy-Bunting done for the year<\/a> after being placed on the reserve\/non-football injury list, Johnson has a clearer path toward earning a larger role sooner than later.<\/p>\n Staying healthy will be the big thing to watch for the rookie, as will his growth in a room that includes plenty of competition along the outside.<\/p>\n A meeting of the Valley\u2019s football minds<\/p>\n There was a spattering of maroon among the sea of red on the two practice fields on Tuesday, with Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham and some of his staff taking in Round 2 of Cardinals OTAs.<\/p>\n A meeting of the minds here at Cardinals OTAs between Jonathan Gannon and ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham. <\/p>\n He and some of his staff are in attendance for today\u2019s work. pic.twitter.com\/Jx5Sfse8BR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) June 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n This isn\u2019t the first time the Dillingham and Gannon have linked up<\/a> since taking their respective roles, with the former making the drive up the road for practice.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you to coach Gannon and the Cardinals for being open to myself and our staff at ASU!\u201d Dillingham posted<\/a> on X after Tuesday\u2019s work. \u201cCoach Gannon is one of the smartest football minds I get the pleasure to talk to and it\u2019s always great getting to learn from him and his staff!\u201d<\/p>\n Who else was present for Round 2 of Cardinals OTAs?<\/p>\n Aside from Nolen, veteran offensive linemen Jonah Williams, Kelvin Beachum and Hjalte Froholdt were taking part in Tuesday\u2019s open portion of work after missing the week prior.<\/p>\n Cardinals OTAs attendance:<\/p>\n Jonah Williams, Walter Nolen III, Kelvin Beachum and Hjalte Froholdt were back practicing during the open portion today.<\/p>\n I did not see Josh Sweat, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Calais Campbell or Dalvin Tomlinson.<\/p>\n Budda Baker was working off to the side. pic.twitter.com\/J284r1ryRd<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) June 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson and Josh Sweat again were not present for the voluntary day. Joining them was inside linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, Jones and Nichols.<\/p>\n Safety Budda Baker on the other hand was seen working out on the side.<\/p>\n
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