Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald trailed only Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady on Pro Football Focus’ Top 101 player list, which was partially released Tuesday.
Donald’s PFF grade in 2016 was 95.6, the best among all NFL defenders. Arizona’s Calais Campbell (90.4), who ranked No. 22, was the closest interior lineman to Donald. Here’s a portion of PFF’s reasoning for grading Donald so high despite a career-low eight sacks this past season:
“Donald notched 82 total QB pressures (sacks, hits and hurries), which was the third-highest figure in the entire league, despite playing almost all of his snaps inside as a legitimate defensive tackle, and not on the perimeter where pressure comes easier.
Donald generates pressure at a greater rate than any other interior defender in the league, and when he does so, it tends to be decisive pressure that makes a legitimate impact on the game. Don’t be fooled by his sack total and think that he was merely okay this past year.”
Donald was the lone Ram to appear in PFF’s top 50.
Aaron Donald generated pressure once every 6.1 pass rushes, the best figure of any interior defender.
Top 101: https://t.co/qLUqqY0TPP pic.twitter.com/emp3OUmxw8
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) February 7, 2017
Chargers D Recognized
Despite finishing 16th in total defense, the Chargers were well represented on PFF’s initial list. Defensive Rookie of the Year Joey Bosa (No. 32), the NFL’s interception leader Casey Hayward (No. 39), and outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (No. 47) all made the list. The Bolts joined the Giants and Broncos as the only teams to have three or more defensive players in the top 50. Somewhere Gus Bradley is smiling.
PFF will unveil players 51-101 Wednesday.
