Summary

• Drafted: Round 1, 16th overall (2025) by the Arizona Cardinals. Pro Football Reference

• College: Texas A&M (2022–2023), then Ole Miss (2024).

• Key Statistics: Over his college career (35 games), Nolen recorded 114 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 26.0 tackles for loss. ESPN.com In his 2024 season at Ole Miss, he posted 48 tackles and 6.5 sacks. PlayerProfiler

• Accolades: Consensus First‑Team All-American (2024), First-Team All-SEC (2024).

• Character / Profile: Highly recruited as a top defensive lineman in high school; known for elite explosion, athleticism, and a relentless motor. After transferring to Ole Miss, he became a dominant interior threat.

Strengths

• Explosive first step / burst — Nolen shows impressive explosiveness off the snap, allowing him to penetrate quickly into the backfield. Big Blue View

• Power + play strength — Despite being lighter than many traditional 3‑tech tackles, he uses his lower body strength well to shed blocks and generate pressure. Cincy Jungle

• Run‑disruption capability — Excellent at creating tackles for loss; his 14 TFL in 2024 at Ole Miss underlines his run-stuffing potential. ESPN.com

• Hand activity — Uses active, quick hands; he can swim, rip, and counter effectively.

• Leverage & pad level — Good pad control for his frame; can work under linemen and gain leverage to disengage. Cincy Jungle

• Instincts and motor — Demonstrates strong pursuit, closing speed, and the toughness to finish plays.

• Versatility in front‑seven schemes — Projects as a one-gap disruptor in both run and pass situations, able to align in multiple fronts. Big Blue View

Weaknesses

• Short arms / limited reach — His arm length (~32″ on some reports) is on the shorter side for an NFL interior rusher, which could limit his ability to disengage against longer linemen. Big Blue View

• Lateral agility questions — Scouts note some limitations when he has to change direction or loop on stunts; not elite in lateral movement. Big Blue View

• Consistency concerns — According to some film analysts, his impact can vary from game to game; there are moments where he disappears or gets washed out.

• Needs a clean runway — At times, he relies on his initial burst; when that’s disrupted, his power rushes can stall.

• Durability / injury risk — Entered the NFL on the PUP list due to a calf injury. Ourlads

• Technique refinement — While physically gifted, he may need polish in hand-fighting, counter moves, and consistency in reading blocks.

Fit & Outlook

Walter Nolen III projects as a high-upside disruptor at defensive tackle or defensive end (depending on scheme) who can be a focal point of an attacking defense. His explosion, strength, and motor make him ideal in a 3‑technique role in one-gap fronts, particularly in schemes that prioritize penetration and backfield disruption. For the Arizona Cardinals, Nolen brings a young, powerful presence to the interior defensive line — if he stays healthy and refines his craft, he has the potential to become a versatile three-down lineman. His ceiling is as a game-wrecker, though it may take a few seasons to fully harness his physical gifts into consistent dominance at the pro level.