Over half of Arizona Cardinals fans, a massive 53% of them according to a recent SB Nation Reacts survey, are absolutely convinced defensive lineman Walter Nolen III is about to have a monster breakout season in 2026. This isn’t just some casual hope; this is the fan base betting big on their 2025 first round pick to become an absolute force on the defensive line. You can feel the buzz, even if it’s still training camp, that Nolen could be the kind of player who changes games.
Nolen’s Past Hints At A Future Superstar
Man, when you look back at Nolen’s rookie year, it’s clear why fans are so hyped. This guy was a first-round pick, and you know those expectations are sky-high right out of the gate. He was flashing some serious potential even before an injury in camp messed with his start to the season, specifically affecting his availability for that Dallas Cowboys game. But even with that setback, and ultimately, an injury cutting his season short, Nolen still managed to show glimpses of pure brilliance. In the limited time he was actually on the field, he looked like the most explosive player on the entire defensive side of the ball for the Cardinals. That’s a huge statement for a rookie. It’s those electrifying plays, those flashes of dominance, that stick in fans’ minds and fuel this breakout prediction. They saw enough to know what he’s capable of when he’s healthy and unleashed.
The Cardinals’ Defensive Line Is Hungry For An Alpha
The stakes here are pretty high for the Cardinals, let’s be real. They absolutely need Nolen to have a massive season. It’s not just him, of course; Marvin Harrison Jr. and Will Johnson are also key pieces, but if there’s one position group that’s crying out for an “alpha” presence, it’s that defensive line. They need a guy who can consistently disrupt, make plays in the backfield, and just generally cause havoc. Nolen, with his explosive potential, is that guy for them. It shows you how much belief there is in him, even if the oddsmakers see him as a longshot for some big awards. FanDuel Sportsbook has Nolen at +30000 to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year. That’s some wild odds, but hey, if 53% of the fans are right, maybe those odds will shrink fast. Meanwhile, Harrison Jr. sits at +4500 for Comeback Player of the Year, which makes sense given the impact he’s expected to have.
The Cardinals are deep into training camp, getting ready for the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game in just 10 days. That’s the first real look at what they’re building. When game one of the season rolls around, the Cardinals are sitting as +10.5-point underdogs, so they’re gonna need every bit of that Nolen breakout to prove people wrong. Can he deliver? Fans sure think so, and that’s a powerful thing heading into the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Revenge of the Birds.
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