2026 NFL All-Breakout Team, Defense: Abdul Carter, Jihaad Campbell, Travis Hunter poised for big Year 2

Nolen teased the football world with game-wrecking ability as a rookie, but injuries limited him to just six games. With better health, the No. 16 overall pick from last year’s draft should wreak havoc as a full-time starter on the interior. Nolen’s explosiveness, strength and power overwhelm opponents unable to deal with his disruptive skills at the point of attack. Despite being limited to 160 defensive snaps last season, per NGS, he amassed a pair of sacks, five tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and a fumble recovery. Given his flashes as an interior monster, Nolen’s second-year jump could catapult him into Pro Bowl consideration in 2026.