I used the above description because I think I’ve finally figured Ossenfort out. He really studies things thoroughly and looks down the road before making selections. I had predicted Grant here, but he was surprisingly long gone. I’m happy with Nolen who I and others predicted just before his selection. The reason was simple. DTs have been historically hard to come by and this year featured a bumper crop. This opportunity might not come again for several seasons, especially if the Cards are picking late. Ossenfort read the moment correctly.
I had predicted Grant because being conservative myself, I liked his bulk for anchoring. I thought his penetrating abilities would continue to develop. I know everyone wants to spot the next Donald. That would be a lot like going bird watching and claiming you saw a pterodactyl. No one can predict a Donald outcome from a pick. I will add this. If any DT in this draft approaches Donald’s skill level, it’s Nolen. He’d have a long way to go, but he might just have the skill set.
If the Cards can get the most out of Nolen, a Gannon famous trait, this guy can be awesome. BTW, contrary to some rumors, he only left A&M because Jumbo Fisher was fired and so Nolen’s DL coach left.
Nolen looks small is by today’s standards, but he can anchor. He locks his post leg and firmly plants it in the ground. Whether a single blocker or a double-team, he’s almost impossible to move. Add to that he’s an extremely secure tackler. He has great hands. If he locks them on you, you’re going to go down. He played against some of the top OLs in the game and handled them cleanly.
He is Cool Papa Bell quick. They’d say of Bell he could switch off the lights and be in bed before it got dark. Nolen consistently penetrates gaps while OLs are still trying to set up, this often results holding or early movement calls. In addition to a solid bull rush, he has a nice swim move. Once in a gap he proceeds forward, re-establishes his balance and can totally disrupt plays and pockets. He stacks up TFLs. The NFL will be tougher, but Nolen has the knack. He has exceptional hands, using them to slap, punch and stab. He is superior at using leverage. He plays low often getting under taller linemen and forcing them upright before knocking them aside. In penetrating he’s often in position to simply shove would be blockers aside. He can be pretty nasty and I’d say the Cards could use more of that on their DL. Nolen will need to keep his composure (Campbell influence should help).
He’ll have to be wary of trap blocks, but he has the smarts to adjust. Despite what I see as baseless claims, he has a good motor. While not possessing great speed his agility, quickness and tackling proficiency allows him to make plays in pursuit.
I expect to see the Cards to design several stunts to take advantage of his quickness. They exploited those in college to great impact. Nolen plays with so much intensity the Cards will need to rotate him. Campbell will not only be a great mentor, but he will provide an excellent change of pace. He should be facing linemen Nolen has been beating up. Nolen takes instruction well and almost unbelievably still has likely not reached his ceiling. The Cards have one of the best teaching set of coaches in the league. This should be a terrific pairing.
There’s a great deal to be excited about with this pick. He’ll be at least a rotation player immediately; likely quickly becoming a starter. He can be moved down the line if needed. He’s their most exciting linemen since Eric Swann in my opinion.
I had predicted Grant because being conservative myself, I liked his bulk for anchoring. I thought his penetrating abilities would continue to develop. I know everyone wants to spot the next Donald. That would be a lot like going bird watching and claiming you saw a pterodactyl. No one can predict a Donald outcome from a pick. I will add this. If any DT in this draft approaches Donald’s skill level, it’s Nolen. He’d have a long way to go, but he might just have the skill set.
If the Cards can get the most out of Nolen, a Gannon famous trait, this guy can be awesome. BTW, contrary to some rumors, he only left A&M because Jumbo Fisher was fired and so Nolen’s DL coach left.
Nolen looks small is by today’s standards, but he can anchor. He locks his post leg and firmly plants it in the ground. Whether a single blocker or a double-team, he’s almost impossible to move. Add to that he’s an extremely secure tackler. He has great hands. If he locks them on you, you’re going to go down. He played against some of the top OLs in the game and handled them cleanly.
He is Cool Papa Bell quick. They’d say of Bell he could switch off the lights and be in bed before it got dark. Nolen consistently penetrates gaps while OLs are still trying to set up, this often results holding or early movement calls. In addition to a solid bull rush, he has a nice swim move. Once in a gap he proceeds forward, re-establishes his balance and can totally disrupt plays and pockets. He stacks up TFLs. The NFL will be tougher, but Nolen has the knack. He has exceptional hands, using them to slap, punch and stab. He is superior at using leverage. He plays low often getting under taller linemen and forcing them upright before knocking them aside. In penetrating he’s often in position to simply shove would be blockers aside. He can be pretty nasty and I’d say the Cards could use more of that on their DL. Nolen will need to keep his composure (Campbell influence should help).
He’ll have to be wary of trap blocks, but he has the smarts to adjust. Despite what I see as baseless claims, he has a good motor. While not possessing great speed his agility, quickness and tackling proficiency allows him to make plays in pursuit.
I expect to see the Cards to design several stunts to take advantage of his quickness. They exploited those in college to great impact. Nolen plays with so much intensity the Cards will need to rotate him. Campbell will not only be a great mentor, but he will provide an excellent change of pace. He should be facing linemen Nolen has been beating up. Nolen takes instruction well and almost unbelievably still has likely not reached his ceiling. The Cards have one of the best teaching set of coaches in the league. This should be a terrific pairing.
There’s a great deal to be excited about with this pick. He’ll be at least a rotation player immediately; likely quickly becoming a starter. He can be moved down the line if needed. He’s their most exciting linemen since Eric Swann in my opinion.
