The NFL is trending toward finding interior defensive linemen who can drastically affect opposing passing attacks. The Cardinals found one in Nolen.

The Arizona Cardinals selected Walter Nolen, a divisive prospect, 16th overall out of Ole Miss in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon often finds a way to sprinkle the word violent into his description of what he likes in players. That was surely the case Thursday night when he and general manager Monti Ossenfort discussed the selection of defensive lineman Walter Nolen with the 16th selection in the first round of the draft.