Kenneth Grant or Walter Nolen?

Kenneth Grant or Walter Nolen?
Revenge of the Birds Revenge of the Birds

Which defensive tackle would you want the Cardinals to select?

Today we offer an ROTB scouting challenge.

The two most talked about potential first-round defensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft are Michigan’s Kenneth Grant and Mississippi’s Walter Nolen.

Absorb as much of the background info that is provided for you here and then make a decision as to which of these two players would be the best fit for the Cardinals, should they decide to address the defensive tackle position in Round 1.

Kenneth Grant, 6-3, 342, Michigan

Per Lance Zierlein of NFL.com

Kenneth Grant Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

Overview

Grant is a broad-bodied, two-down nose tackle whose tape can run hot and cold depending on the game and the types of blocks he’s facing. He struggles to anchor when hit with down blocks due to his narrow base and tall pads, but he uses his power and length to beat single blocks and split double teams when he finds the crease. He had some sack production in college, but it might not translate to the league. He’s expected to be a monster tester but needs to prove he can become a more consistently dominant force to be more than an average starter.

Strengths

  • Built with a broad chest, thick lowers and long arms.
  • Capable of playing multiple spots in odd or even fronts.
  • Can absorb and split double teams when pad level is right.
  • Possesses club strength to knock blocker off balance.
  • Good strike and extend with arm-over release as a two-gapper.
  • Put together a solid performance in upset win over Ohio State.
  • Bangs around with heavy hands as an interior rusher.

Weaknesses

  • Too often lacks explosiveness for dominant early phase reps.
  • Plays with tightness in lowers and a narrow base.
  • Has a tougher time growing roots against angle blocks.
  • Limited range and short-area quickness as a tackler.
  • Poor first-step quickness to create advantages for his rush.

Sources Tell Us

“He was a little inconsistent on tape (in 2024) but he’s going to be a freaky tester and guys with that size and those numbers are really hard to find.” – NFC area scout

Walter Nolen, 6-3, 293, Mississippi

Walter Nolen Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

Overview

Nolen has NFL-starting size but won’t blow you away with his physical traits. However, he gains quick advantages with his explosiveness into contact and ability to beat up blockers when singled up. He has the athletic talent to play into gaps but needs to play with better hands to keep himself clean at the point of attack. He wins as a rusher with his athleticism and play strength and doesn’t need to be schemed for. The pass rush still requires refinement, but he already flashes quick win moves that foreshadow good pressure and sack production as a pro. Nolen’s blend of explosiveness and playmaking talent create high upside as...