The Arizona Cardinals drafted Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen with the 16th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft nearly a week ago, but his defensive line coach’s reaction has gone viral.
Ole Miss Defensive Line Coach’s Reaction to Walter Nolen’s Draft Moment Goes Viral
The All-American defender’s jump to the NFL can be greatly attributed to Ole Miss defensive line coach Randall Joyner’s coaching.
A recent video of Joyner reacting to his former player getting drafted has made waves on the internet.
In the video, which the Arizona Cardinals posted, Joyner’s face is filled with true joy as he reacts to his player’s selection.
please stop and watch @OleMissFB‘s d-line coach reaction to Walter getting drafted 😭👏
(via IG/trimiesha.joyner) pic.twitter.com/L7TkXuVlmf
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 29, 2025
All of the hard work that both Joyner and Nolen put in together has now been rewarded as Nolen heads to the desert to try and make an impact in the trenches.
Walter Nolen Looks to Turn Excellent Ole Miss Career Into Even Better Career With Cardinals
Nolen was one of the true game-wreckers in the SEC during his days in Oxford after transferring from Texas A&M.
After combining for just five sacks in his first two collegiate seasons, he recorded 6.5 for head coach Lane Kiffin and the Rebels last year. He would also set career marks with 48 total tackles—25 of which were solo tackles, two fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections.
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing nearly 300 pounds, the Tennessee native is a true force on the edge in the right situation.
Walter Nolen 2025 NFL Draft Hub: Scouting Report, Draft Projection, and More
It is why Arizona wanted him so badly. Head coach Jonathan Gannon is hungry for some results for his defense. Now, he has a first-round pick on one side of the line, and a freshly-paid Pro-Bowler on the other side in Josh Sweat.
This looks to be Arizona’s most talented defense in a few years, with a number of veterans manning all levels. The addition of a talented rookie such as Nolen should only help this team continue to grow.
After hovering around a .500 record last season, the “Cards” are looking to take it to the next level and contend for an NFC West title in 2025.
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