Ole Miss football had double-digit players find new homes in the NFL via the draft or undrafted free agents. Two of those were first-round picks, Walter Nolen and Jaxson Dart. Nolen was picked first by the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 16 pick.
The defensive tackle has now signed his first professional contract with the NFC West team. The Cards signed Nolen to a four-year, $19.3 million deal that includes a $10.7 million signing bonus.
Cardinals signed No. 16 overall pick Walter Nolen to a four-year, $19.3 million deal that includes a $10.7 million signing bonus. pic.twitter.com/YPRueR6dnh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 10, 2025
Nolen has been gaining knowledge from some of the experienced guys in camp, with Calais Campbell seen mentoring the rookie. Players have also spoken very highly of the young DT, with quarterback Kyler Murray astonished that he slipped so far down the draft.
""He was a no-brainer type of guy...for him to fall to 16...I don't know how that happened.""Kyler Murray
After two seasons at Texas A&M, Nolen transferred to the Rebels and had a breakout season under defensive coordinator Pete Golding. He finished with 48 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. He was a massive part of Ole Miss, boasting a top-three-ranked defense against the run that allowed under 90 yards per game.
Nolen and Dart have both signed their rookie deals, netting nice signing bonuses as first-round picks. The quarterback signed his four-year, $17 million, fully guaranteed contract. Dart may not see the field as quickly as Nolen, who is expected to sit behind veteran Russell Wilson.
Nolen has a huge chance to get reps behind the veteran defensive line the Cardinals have and maybe push to be a starter later in the season. They were middle of the rankings in sacks last season and near the bottom in rushing yards allowed so that Nolen will help with that.