Rams' Aaron Donald Labeled 'Overvalued'; Why?

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is listed as an "overvalued player," but why?

Since entering the league in 2014, defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been a force of nature for the Los Angeles Rams. 

The Pittsburgh Panthers product has earned nearly every accolade a defensive player could ask for. Donald has been a Pro Bowler every season of his nine-year career, has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and led the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI title in February of 2022. When all is said and done, Donald will go down as one of, if not the, greatest defensive players in the league's history.

Last season, though, Donald, 32 showed rare signs of mortality. He posted career-lows in tackles for loss (10), quarterback hits (11) and sacks (five). Donald also missed six games with an ankle injury, just the second time in his career he has missed time due to an injury. 

After just one subpar (for him) season, it seems some are already doubting the future Hall of Famer. In fact, CBS Sports even named Donald as the Rams' "overvalued" player, believing he needs more around him to be effective.

"Donald is still good, but who is helping him get to the quarterback consistently?" CBS Sports writes. "[Leonard] Floyd and Bobby Wagner are both gone and the remainder of the projected starters on the Rams defensive line had a combined one sack last year.

"Thinking Donald is going to turn back into his prime self is a risk, even if he has another All-Pro-caliber year. The Rams should have gotten another edge rusher (outside of rookie Byron Young) to help him." 

It is true that the Rams' front seven has taken a hit this offseason, and the defense as a whole is very inexperienced. However, Donald has more than proven he can lead such a defense, and his presence alone forces opposing offenses to take notice. Besides ... how does the lack of star-caliber players alongside him "lower'' his "value''? We don't get it ...

Maybe Donald doesn't return to the insane highs he once had, but to say he's "overvalued" after one season below his standards is very premature.

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You can follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

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