Arizona Cardinals Top Breakout Candidate in 2026
Summary
The Arizona Cardinals have a new offense and defensive focus for 2026, with Walter Nolen III expected to be a key player. Nolen, a defensive player drafted in 2025, showed strong performance despite injuries and is recovering well to start the upcoming season healthy.Key Facts
- The Arizona Cardinals have new offensive leaders, including a new offensive coordinator and quarterback change.
- Walter Nolen III, a defensive player, was picked 16th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft from Ole Miss.
- Nolen had an impressive college record with many tackles and sacks and earned top honors before joining the NFL.
- He missed the start of his rookie NFL season due to a calf injury and played only six games because of a knee injury.
- In his limited games, Nolen made significant plays, including tackles, sacks, and a touchdown.
- The knee injury was a torn meniscus, which is less severe than a torn ACL, and he is now recovering well.
- The Cardinals released veteran defender Calais Campbell, increasing Nolen’s expected playing time.
- The defensive coach remains the same, so Nolen does not have to learn a new system and will be ready for a full season in 2026.
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