Arizona Cardinals Look to Walter Nolen III for Defensive Impact in 2026

The Arizona Cardinals have revamped their offense. Notable changes include Kyler Murray’s move to Minnesota and Jeremiyah Love’s new position in Arizona. Nathaniel Hackett has stepped in as the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, supporting first-time head coach Mike LaFleur, formerly the Rams’ offensive coordinator. However, it’s a defensive player who could shine in 2026: Walter Nolen III.

Arizona drafted Walter Nolen III with the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from Ole Miss. He emerged from a dominant junior year, earning All-American and first-team All-SEC honors. Nolen accomplished this by securing 48 combined tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries in 13 games.

Nolen stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 300 pounds, and entered his rookie year with high expectations. Unfortunately, a calf injury placed him on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) before training camp, delaying his NFL debut until Week 9 against the Cowboys. Once on the field, he proved his worth by posting four tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. He also scored a scoop-and-score touchdown later against the Jaguars. His season concluded prematurely due to a knee injury in Week 16 against Atlanta.

The year ended with Nolen achieving 11 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, and a fumble recovery in six games. As he approaches Year 2, fans anticipate what their first-round pick will deliver in 2026. The knee injury turned out to be a meniscus tear rather than a feared torn ACL. Nolen is already working at the team facility and showing recovery progress as training camp begins.

In the offseason, Arizona let go of veteran Calais Campbell, who played 46% of last season’s defensive snaps. This decision creates more opportunities for Nolen. Another draftee, Kaleb Proctor, sustained his own meniscus tear during OTAs, adding pressure on Nolen and former first-rounder Darius Robinson.

With defensive coordinator Nick Rallis remaining in position, Nolen doesn’t need to learn a new system. He will start Week 1 healthy and ready. If his rookie year’s performance is maintained over a 17-game season, Arizona may secure a dependable defensive anchor.