Los Angeles Rams Legend Aaron Donald Reveals NFL's Next Best Defensive Player

Former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald gave his nomination for the NFL's "next Aaron Donald" as the best defensive player in the sport.

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is no longer the best defensive player in football.

There’s an argument to be had for when that statement became true, but it was made official when Donald decided to retire in March. The future Hall of Famer left a hole in the middle of the Rams' defense, hanging up the cleats after 10 dominant seasons.

There isn’t just a vacuum in the trenches, though. With Donald’s departure, many are looking for an heir to the throne of the best defensive player in the sport.

On Thursday, appearing on “Green Light With Chris Long” with former teammate Chris Long, Donald made his nomination – Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt.

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

“If you talk about a guy that’s consistent,” Donald began. “Been doing it year in year out consistently that’s gonna get you 15 sacks, 13 sacks, damn 22 sacks consistent. He’s the guy that’s been doing it consistently. Interceptions every year, touchdowns, his stats be ridiculous every single year.

“I know you got Micah Parsons coming up, you got Myles Garrett, you got a bunch of good players. But my opinion, from the time I’ve seen T.J. Watt in the league – from the first time I’ve seen him to last year – he’s consistently been dominating in this league. Just a lot of respect for him, think he’s that guy.”

Watt, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, has led the league in sacks three times, including this past season where he logged 19. With 96.5 sacks in his career, he could very well pass Donald (111) in 2024.

Donald admitted that both before he was drafted and during his first round of contract negotiations he fantasized about playing for the Steelers, his hometown team. Ultimately, though, he would decide to stick with Los Angeles and retire with just a single team attached to him. 

As for Watt, there’s certainly a case to be made that he’s the best defensive player in the sport – although on a per-snap basis Garrett may have him beat, posting the same amount of pressures and a higher pass-rush win rate in 2023.

Perhaps it’s some Pittsburgh love, but Steelers fans will take the praise from one of their own, even if he never played a down for the black and gold. Donald will be sure to see some of Pittsburgh’s own when he’s inducted as a first-ballot Hall of Famer in five years.