Where's Rams DT Aaron Donald On NFL Top 100?

For the first time in six years, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle places outside the top 10 on the NFL Top 100

For the ninth time in as many seasons, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has earned a spot on the NFL Top 100.

That won't surprise anyone, but what might is Donald's placement on the list. The Rams star came in at No. 11, marking the first time since 2017, that he doesn't occupy a spot in the top 10. 

Donald, as well as the Rams in general, are coming off a very disappointing 2022 season. The future Hall of Famer had a career-low five sacks after playing only 11 games, and 2022 marked the first time in his nine-year career he missed extended time with injury. It also marked the first time since his rookie season that he was not an All-Pro selection, although he did maintain his streak of nine straight Pro Bowl appearances.

That said, Donald's worst year is still exceptional in the big picture. He finished with an excellent Pro Football Focus grade of 90.5, the third-best among interior defenders. When on the field, Donald was still an absolute force to be reckoned with.

Donald made his debut on the NFL Top 100 in 2015 after his rookie season when he came in at No. 92 after winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. He then ascended to the top 15 the following year, and he has not left that range ever since. His most dominant stretch on the rankings came from 2019 to 2022 when he placed in the top three each year and earned the No. 1 spot in the former year.

With three Defensive Player of the Year awards and countless other accomplishments under his belt, Donald has virtually nothing left to prove in the NFL. This season will still be a test for him, though, as he is leading a defense full of young players with little NFL experience. Donald has risen to meet every challenge throughout his career, and the Rams are expecting no different this year.

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