Latest news with #WalterNolenIII
USA Today
6 days ago
- General
- USA Today
Rookie DL Walter Nolen III has impressed Arizona Cardinals DC Nick Rallis so far
Rookie DL Walter Nolen III has impressed Arizona Cardinals DC Nick Rallis so far Nolen, the Cardinals' top draft pick, has shown exactly what he needs to so far this offseason. As the Arizona Cardinals progress through their offseason program, the coaches get to see how their rookie class handles preparing for their first NFL season. The Cardinals' first-round pick, defensive tackle Walter Nolen III, has shown defensive coordinator Nick Rallis what he should so far. Rallis, speaking to the media on Tuesday after the team's first practice of their final week of voluntary OTAs, noted he has been impressed with Nolen thus far. "I knew he was gonna be the talent that we saw on tape, but I would say he's very coachable, great to work with," Rallis said. "You see him take those coaching points immediately to the field, whether that's an individual or when going against the offense. And I can tell he studies hard outside the building because he's got things down pretty fast. So pretty impressive so far." Because full contact in practice is not allowed until training camp when pads go on, coaches never get a true gauge of how players in the trenches will do until then. All they can look at right now is preparation, the ability to process information and technique on the field. It would appear that Nolen is more than what he should be so far. That's all we can expect for now. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
02-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arizona Cardinals draft picks in their first team photoshoot
Arizona Cardinals draft picks in their first team photoshoot Get a look at the Cardinals' 2025 draft picks in their first team photoshoot The Arizona Cardinals selected seven players in the 2025 NFL draft. Those rookies are preparing for their first NFL season. Part of that includes media photoshoots. The Cardinals rookies apparently wrapped up their first team photoshoot. The team released shots of all seven of their draft picks on social media. Check them out. DL Walter Nolen III, first-round pick CB Will Johnson, second-round pick OLB Jordan Burch, third-round picks LB Cody Simon, fourth-round pick CB Denzel Burke, fifth-round pick OL Hayden Conner, sixth-round pick S Kitan Crawford, seventh-round pick Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Associated Press
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Cardinals rookie cornerback Will Johnson ready to show his talent
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Will Johnson's first few moments as a member of the Arizona Cardinals weren't the best, with the cornerback still seething because of his fall from a potential top-10 pick to the second round because of injury concerns. Two weeks later, he's in a much better mood. 'Happy to be here, happy to get to work and happy to see what's to come,' Johnson said. Johnson's demeanor has improved for many reasons, but mainly because his drop to the No. 47 overall selection meant he landed in Arizona. The Cardinals believe they're an up-and-coming franchise under third-year coach Jonathan Gannon after finishing with an 8-9 record last season, which was a four-win improvement over 2023. Now they're embarking on a defensive overhaul in an effort to return to the postseason for the first time since 2021. The Cardinals have made it clear that the 22-year-old Johnson is one of the centerpieces for that effort. He'll get his first chance to reward that confidence on Friday, when the team opens rookie minicamp. 'You can tell they're trying to win,' Johnson said. 'They've got a lot of pieces on offense and you can tell they're trying to get those same pieces on defenses to make it all come together. We've just got to get to work and prove we're great players.' The Cardinals used six of their seven picks during April's draft on defensive players, adding Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen III at No. 16 before grabbing Johnson, who was a vital contributor during Michigan's run to a national title in 2023. Arizona also added Oregon edge rusher Jordan Burch in the third round, Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon in the fourth, Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke in the fifth and Nevada safety Kitan Crawford in the seventh. The only offensive player taken was Texas guard Hayden Conner. The Cardinals also spent plenty of money on the defense during free agency, adding several veteran pieces, including Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson. 'I wouldn't want to be anywhere else,' Johnson said. There is little concern about Johnson's ability on the field, but slightly more angst about his injury history. He played in just six games last season with the Wolverines, missing several weeks while dealing with turf toe. There was also a hamstring issue that kept him out of Michigan's pro day during the pre-draft process. But the real red flag seems to be a knee issue that required surgery in 2023. Johnson said the injury hasn't bothered him since and has been adamant there are no lingering effects. 'It's all good,' Johnson said. 'Ready to go.' Johnson said he's ready to play for Gannon, a high-energy coach who as a coordinator helped lead the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl in 2022 before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs. Gannon's specialty is coaching defensive backs and the Cardinals have used lots of draft capital on the position the past few years, adding Garrett Williams in 2023, Max Melton in 2024 and now Johnson. Much like Johnson, Williams fell to the third round in the '23 draft because of injury concerns. He was coming off a torn ACL but has quickly grown into a key contributor. Williams, Melton and Johnson could all have a major role this fall. 'He's just very passionate about it, and you got to love someone who is passionate,' Johnson said of Gannon. 'He cares about his players and is a player's coach. That the kind of guy I want to play for.' Johnson called Gannon's defensive system a 'cornerback's dream' because it gives players the opportunity to play several different styles. For a confident player who feels he was overlooked during the draft, it's just the kind of opportunity he was expecting. 'I've been able to move on, it's just motivation,' Johnson said. 'I know there's going to be something special here, so I'm excited for it.' ___ AP NFL:
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers Scouting Report: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have addressed the wide receiver room this offseason, but the defensive line—arguably the biggest area of concern positionally—was left on the back burner in free agency. Several free agent signings and re-signings like DTs Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale, and Esezi Otomewo were solid for depth, but the Steelers lack a true, starting-caliber defensive lineman next to DT Cam Heyward and NT Keeanu Benton. Enter Ole Miss Rebels DT Walter Nolen III, a first-round caliber defensive line prospect fans should begin to familiarize themselves with as the 2025 NFL Draft grows ever closer. Name: Walter Nolen III College: Ole Miss Height: 6'4" Weight: 296 lbs Combine performance: N/A, did not participate in drills Nolen played with Texas A&M from 2022 to 2023 before transferring to Ole Miss in 2024—a decision that proved to be the right one, as he was named First-Team All-American for his efforts. 2022: 10 games, 29 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack 2023: 12 games, 37 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks 2024: 13 games, 48 tackles, 14 TFL, 6.5 sacks What Nolen lacks in technique, he more than makes up for with impressive raw talent. He boasts considerable power and a sturdy base that allows him to eat up double teams with ease. He also has an explosive get-off at the snap, enabling him to attack the gap quickly against zone runs and catch offensive linemen off guard on passing downs. Despite his size and incredible strength, Nolen's technique still needs refinement. He can be overzealous in his pass rush at times, which leads to mistakes such as exposing his chest to opposing offensive linemen, poor hand placement, and a limited pass-rush move repertoire. While he's been able to get away with these errors in college thanks to his freakish physical traits, these are fixable issues even at the next level. Nolen has the size, agility, and strength to play either DE or DT for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ole Miss DT would likely fill the hole left by former Steelers DT Larry Ogunjobi—who recently signed with the Buffalo Bills but was quickly suspended by the NFL for a PED violation. While Nolen's strength is impressive, it likely wouldn't be enough to earn him a starting role in Pittsburgh right away. His raw talent doesn't outweigh the need to refine his pass-rush moves, and he could benefit from learning behind veterans like Heyward and Ekuale as he continues to develop. Walter Nolen is a DOMINANT run defender and flashes excellence as a pass rusher 🚀Nolen posted 72 stops while only missing 5 tackles in his college career. He's also posted 67 pressures and 14 total sacks. He's a player I expect to see go in round 1. — NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 30, 2025 This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
USA Today
24-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers Scouting Report: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Steelers Scouting Report: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss Walter Nolen is a DOMINANT run defender and flashes excellence as a pass rusher 🚀 Nolen posted 72 stops while only missing 5 tackles in his college career. He's also posted 67 pressures and 14 total sacks. He's a player I expect to see go in round 1. — NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 30, 2025 The Pittsburgh Steelers may have addressed the wide receiver room this offseason, but the defensive line—arguably the biggest area of concern positionally—was left on the back burner in free agency. Several free agent signings and re-signings like DTs Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale, and Esezi Otomewo were solid for depth, but the Steelers lack a true, starting-caliber defensive lineman next to DT Cam Heyward and NT Keeanu Benton. Enter Ole Miss Rebels DT Walter Nolen III, a first-round caliber defensive line prospect fans should begin to familiarize themselves with as the 2025 NFL Draft grows ever closer. Name: Walter Nolen III Walter Nolen III College: Ole Miss Ole Miss Height: 6'4" 6'4" Weight: 296 lbs 296 lbs Combine performance: N/A, did not participate in drills Nolen played with Texas A&M from 2022 to 2023 before transferring to Ole Miss in 2024—a decision that proved to be the right one, as he was named First-Team All-American for his efforts. Stats: 2022: 10 games, 29 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack 10 games, 29 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack 2023 : 12 games, 37 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks : 12 games, 37 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks 2024: 13 games, 48 tackles, 14 TFL, 6.5 sacks Strengths: What Nolen lacks in technique, he more than makes up for with impressive raw talent. He boasts considerable power and a sturdy base that allows him to eat up double teams with ease. He also has an explosive get-off at the snap, enabling him to attack the gap quickly against zone runs and catch offensive linemen off guard on passing downs. Weaknesses: Despite his size and incredible strength, Nolen's technique still needs refinement. He can be overzealous in his pass rush at times, which leads to mistakes such as exposing his chest to opposing offensive linemen, poor hand placement, and a limited pass-rush move repertoire. While he's been able to get away with these errors in college thanks to his freakish physical traits, these are fixable issues even at the next level. How would he fit on the Steelers' defense? Nolen has the size, agility, and strength to play either DE or DT for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ole Miss DT would likely fill the hole left by former Steelers DT Larry Ogunjobi—who recently signed with the Buffalo Bills but was quickly suspended by the NFL for a PED violation. While Nolen's strength is impressive, it likely wouldn't be enough to earn him a starting role in Pittsburgh right away. His raw talent doesn't outweigh the need to refine his pass-rush moves, and he could benefit from learning behind veterans like Heyward and Ekuale as he continues to develop.
