Could Cardinals rookie DT Walter Nolen be the next Aaron Donald?
Cardinals first-round pick Walter Nolen boldly proclaimed himself as the next Aaron Donald, but Donald is here for the comparison.
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Arizona Cardinals first-round pick Walter Nolen boldly proclaimed himself as the next Aaron Donald during the Senior Bowl, but Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl LVI champion, is here for the comparison.
In a January interview with The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, Nolen called himself “the next Aaron Donald,” when asked to describe his skill set in his own words.
“I feel like I can do it all. Aaron Donald did it all at the highest level. I’m a younger, upcoming version of Aaron Donald. I just can’t wait to show everybody that when I get this opportunity I’m being blessed with.”
At the 2025 NFL Combine in February, Nolen was asked about his comments, and he doubled down on his remarks and said he “wholeheartedly” believes that he’s the next Aaron Donald.
Donald then surprised Nolen with a personalized message, much to the delight of Nolen.
“I heard you say you’re the next Aaron Donald, man,” Donald said. “Keep doing your thing, man. Hopefully, you have a long career and a better career than what I had. I’ll be looking out for you, I’ll be watching for you, and see how this thing turns out for you.”
Nothing like getting a special message from your role model 🥹@WalterNolen4 | @AaronDonald97 pic.twitter.com/0ruuq8vVtD
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) February 27, 2025
Nolen spent one season at Ole Miss and tallied 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 13 games. The 6-foot-4, 296-pound defensive tackle spent the previous two seasons at Texas A&M where he totaled 5.0 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 22 games.
Nolen has lofty expectations to live up to as Donald was a Pro Bowler in each of his 10 NFL seasons with the Rams and was named a First-Team All-Pro selection eight times.
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Comments
26 Comments
When Calais was with us the first time, we shut down the run for most teams. Returning to that form will definitely help us on that ride, B Fan.
This year we earn the moniker as a tough team to play. Nobody will want to play us.
That offense needs to hit it's stride. I'm hoping for an OG with the next pick. But guard, CB, or WR will do.
Talk is cheap, those that can do.
Shoot Jim, if all this pans out, we could be in for one heck of nice long ride!!
D Rob, Nolen, BJ, are each really young and very high value picks!
These picks are taking me back to Docket, CC, Antonio Smith Days