Cardinals’ Walter Nolen III has ‘got things down pretty fast’ with OTAs underway

TEMPE — The second round of the Arizona Cardinals’ organized team activities is underway with a noticeable figure back participating in 2025 first-round pick Walter Nolen III.

After being seen working on the side during the open portion of OTAs last week, Nolen was front and center alongside his teammates on Tuesday.

Darius Robinson and Walter Nolen III going back-to-back during Round 2 of Cardinals OTAs. pic.twitter.com/4HZWPW7gEy

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) June 3, 2025

And while the reasoning behind why Nolen was held back last week remains unknown — head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed it was not injury- or contract-related — what isn’t is the rookie’s early impression on his defensive coordinator.

“I knew he was going to be the talent that we saw on tape, but I would say he’s very coachable, great to work with,” Nick Rallis said Tuesday. “You see him take those coaching points immediately to the field, whether that’s in individual (work) or we’re going against the offense. I can tell he studies hard outside of the building because he’s got things down pretty fast. Pretty impressive so far.”

Nolen heads into Year 1 with a real shot at earning a meaningful role within Rallis’ defensive line rotation. Starting is very much on the table, though he has his work cut out for him in a room that includes fellow newcomers Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson plus returning pieces Darius Robinson, Dante Stills, L.J. Collier, Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols.

Any added leg up Nolen can get could end up being the difference in starting reps. However it shakes out, it at least appears that he’s on the right track despite last week’s mystery sideline work.

“I know he’s going to be a great player, great teammate,” Robinson said, adding Nolen bought his fellow Cardinals Epsom salt, last week. “He’s a high character young man and he’s a really good teammate. I’m excited to make some plays with him.”

The 3 things about Cardinals’ Will Johnson

Aside from Nolen, another early-round Cardinals draft pick is catching the eye of Rallis early on in his tenure with the team.

So far, second-round pick Will Johnson is showing why he was viewed by many as a first-round talent before sliding to No. 47 overall.

“Work ethic No. 1. Talent No. 2. Intelligence No. 3. I guess it’s pretty simple, but he’s been phenomenal to work with,” Rallis said. “I mean honestly both those rookie corners, (Denzel Burke) as well. … They’re serious pros and they’ve put in a tremendous amount of work so far and they’re going to keep doing it.”

With veteran Sean Murphy-Bunting done for the year after being placed on the reserve/non-football injury list, Johnson has a clearer path toward earning a larger role sooner than later.

Staying healthy will be the big thing to watch for the rookie, as will his growth in a room that includes plenty of competition along the outside.

A meeting of the Valley’s football minds

There was a spattering of maroon among the sea of red on the two practice fields on Tuesday, with Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham and some of his staff taking in Round 2 of Cardinals OTAs.

A meeting of the minds here at Cardinals OTAs between Jonathan Gannon and ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham.

He and some of his staff are in attendance for today’s work. pic.twitter.com/Jx5Sfse8BR

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) June 3, 2025

This isn’t the first time the Dillingham and Gannon have linked up since taking their respective roles, with the former making the drive up the road for practice.

“Thank you to coach Gannon and the Cardinals for being open to myself and our staff at ASU!” Dillingham posted on X after Tuesday’s work. “Coach Gannon is one of the smartest football minds I get the pleasure to talk to and it’s always great getting to learn from him and his staff!”

Who else was present for Round 2 of Cardinals OTAs?

Aside from Nolen, veteran offensive linemen Jonah Williams, Kelvin Beachum and Hjalte Froholdt were taking part in Tuesday’s open portion of work after missing the week prior.

Cardinals OTAs attendance:

Jonah Williams, Walter Nolen III, Kelvin Beachum and Hjalte Froholdt were back practicing during the open portion today.

I did not see Josh Sweat, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Calais Campbell or Dalvin Tomlinson.

Budda Baker was working off to the side. pic.twitter.com/J284r1ryRd

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) June 3, 2025

Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson and Josh Sweat again were not present for the voluntary day. Joining them was inside linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, Jones and Nichols.

Safety Budda Baker on the other hand was seen working out on the side.

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