Aaron Donald, by many analysts, is regarded as one of the best defenders in the NFL.
He has continued to hone his craft, as a regular leader for the Los Angeles Rams.
PFF has recently released their highest-graded season rankings for defensive players, and Donald’s dominant seasons kept him at the top.
As writer Mason Cameron put it, “Donald may be the best NFL defender of all time, so it shouldn’t be surprising that he owns two of the three interior defender grading records.”
"Aaron Donald has established himself as not only the league's best defensive player but maybe even the best defender the game has ever seen."
The highest-graded seasons among defenders since we have started grading ⬇️https://t.co/6VPM0grI29
— PFF (@PFF) June 19, 2023
Donald’s 2018 season was awarded the best defensive grade for an interior defensive lineman.
His 2017 campaign was given the best pass-rushing grade in PFF’s history, which goes back to 2006.
While this advanced data doesn’t span the NFL’s entire history, it does tell a story of Donald’s dominance.
Several young defenders across the league have cited Donald as a reason for their early excellence.
Donald won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2014 and has only picked up more accolades as his career has continued.
He has been a Pro Bowler in each of his nine career seasons and has been a first-team All-Pro member seven times.
Just how much longer will Donald remain in the NFL?
At 32 years old, his playing days are seemingly limited.
Even though there were rumors of retirement throughout the 2022 season, it appears that Donald will lace up his cleats again this year.
As the Rams look to bounce back from their 2022 campaign, Donald will once again lead their defense in hopes of reaching the title game again.
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