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
Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images
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
Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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 a three-down interior lineman.
Strengths
- Impressive playmaking production as an interior defender.
- Twitchy off the snap and into blockers with good pop.
- Power to punch and shove defenders aside to take over the gap.
- Can absorb double teams or play across blocker’s face and into backfield.
- Outstanding body control to regain balance and make a play.
- Ability to pressure the pocket creates three-down value.
- Sets up his edge-to-edge rush challenges.
- Able to bend and rip his way under redirect blocks.
- Rush stays alive with active hands and secondary effort.
Weaknesses
- Below-average extension and control at the point.
- Needs to play with consistent inside hands to stay clean.
- Base width can narrow on him in both phases.
- Looks to disengage from blocks too quickly at times.
- Rush needs a more diversified first-phase approach.
- Inconsistent to capture rush edge when it opens.
Sources Tell Us
“Nobody questions how talented he is and how hard he plays. Super twitched up and really explosive.” — NFC national scout
Mel Kiper’s recent Mock Draft:
2025 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper’s Round 1 pick predictions – ESPN
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
No, Chris Jones isn’t going anywhere. But he could use more help alongside him on the interior in Kansas City. Nolen has strong hands and can pressure the QB from inside with his quickness. He had 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2024. Nolen would give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo yet another difference-maker to heat up the pocket.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
GM Howie Roseman favors the trenches in Round 1, so don’t be surprised if he finds another impact defensive tackle with the Eagles’ first pick. Yes, it would be the third time in four years that he used a Day 1 selection at the position (Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis), and according to ESPN Research, we’ve seen a team do that only three times in the common draft era. But hey, if the Eagles are picking at No. 32, it means they won the Super Bowl and the strategy is working. Plus, Milton Williams is a free agent. Grant’s instincts and ability to bat balls at the line of scrimmage would be welcomed in Philadelphia.
Here’s a wild card to watch, though. The Eagles need edge rushers, too, and Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku could rise up draft boards this spring. He had 16.5 sacks this season.
Kenneth Grant Highlights:
Walter Nolen Highlights:
The interesting question about trying to decide between Kenneth Grant and Walter Nolen is positional value. In the Cardinals’ defense, Grant would be the mammoth nose tackle the Cardinals have been lacking. With Walter Nolen his best fit would be opposite 34RDE Darius Robinson as the 34LDE.
ROTB Poll:
How did you vote and why?