What more is there to say about Aaron Donald? He’s the destructive force that makes the Los Angeles Rams defense go. If you pay attention, they’ve built that defense completely around him and because of that, the Rams have had one of the best defenses in the league the last few seasons. I still remember his college days with the Pittsburgh Panthers. In 2014, Aaron was the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft. During his college days, he received unanimous All-American honors. Today, the defending champs are rewarding their star defender with a contract extension. It’s a $95 million contract restructure. Aaron will have a salary of $31.6 million which will make him the first defensive player to break the $30 million plateau in NFL history.
I think everyone who has followed me through the website, Monday Evening Quarterback, or any of the other shows I contribute to knows how much I’ve raved about this guy. He’s the best defensive player in our league today and it’s not even close as far as I’m concerned. Aaron is a handful for anybody attempting to neutralize him. Each time I watch him, the violent hands have always stood out. He’s so active when it comes to ripping through people and shedding blocks. I’ve watched both John Randle and Warren Sapp, both are Hall of Famers and they’re each great, but Aaron does things that I’ve never seen those two do back when they played. The speed he displays amazes me. Aaron is an interior defensive lineman with the speed of an inside linebacker. He can get wherever he wants and when he wants with several moves in his arsenal such as a bull-rush, a swim move or he just overpowers who’s in front of him. Aaron also rushes the passer from the middle and when you think of pass rushers, they come from where? Off the edge. I’ve said for years that he plays with the mindset of an offensive lineman because of how compact and powerful he is.
I think y’all can repeat the rule for me. You better have game if you have two first names! It’s only right and he’s been living proof of my two-name rule for years. He’s one of the five best defensive players I’ve had the pleasure of watching. In eight seasons, Aaron has been selected to the Pro Bowl each year, he has seven first-team All-Pro honors, three Defensive MVP awards, and a Super Bowl ring. He could’ve walked away from the game if he wanted and he’d be a lock for Canton years from now. I’m happy he’s coming back to play.
