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There is excitement for the Arizona Cardinals regarding their No. 1 receiver, while a young running back is hoping for a bigger role. Also, here are the Cardinals’ hottest takes coming out of the team’s 2025 minicamp.
Like other NFL teams, the Cardinals expect big things from their first-round pick. The good news is Walter Nolen has delivered the goods thus far, according to azcardinals.com.
“His quickness, his pass rush, he’s just fluid,” veteran defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson said. “It comes natural. He’s just a natural good defensive tackle. I’m happy I’m part of the process to help him improve.”
Noel has young help along the line with 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson back in the mix. He played only six games last season because of an August calf injury. He’s expected to start alongside Nolen. And defensive coordinator Nick Rallis is pumped.
“You can really wreak havoc with that front,” said Rallis.
Still, Nolen said he has much to prove before the season arrives.
“I don’t think I’ll really feel settled in until we get through a couple of preseason games,” Nolen said. “I’ve got to feel no-hold-barred and (that) we’re just playing football.”
But Nolen said he puts pressure on himself. That’s a good thing for the Cardinals, who need Nolen to stand out in his rookie campaign.
“Nothing else fazes me,” Nolen said. “I come to work every day. And I feel like I’m just one piece of the puzzle in the defensive line room. And I feel like we are going to do great things this season.”
Head coach Jonathan Gannon enjoyed picking Nolen from the get-go, according to PHNX Sports YouTube page.
“A lot of excitement,” Gannon said after the pick. “We’ve had him pegged for a long time. Excited to add him to our squad. He’s a disruptive player, and he can play up and down the line.”
It’s easy to see how much Murray means to the Cardinals offense. And this year, they hope for more of the magic Murray showed in 2021, according to azcardinals.com.
“One is true decision-making within the system, one is almost like fastbreak basketball,” offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said. “‘Are you playing point guard the right way, is the ball going where I should?’ Those are game-changing plays. And he is one of the few people in the league that can do it physically at a high level and create some of those, so we want to make sure we are taking advantage of those.”
And Murray said he thrives on the opportunities when he can scramble and create.
“You get to the NFL, there are just better athletes,” Murray said. “Guys are smarter, angles are different. So anytime I can get in space on this level, I love it. That’s a point of emphasis not only for me but for Drew to find ways to get me out in space,...
