The Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) have named Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey to both the All-NFL and the All-NFC teams for the 2020 season. The All-NFL and All-Conference teams are meant to recognize the best individuals at each position for an entire season.
For Donald, his selection at the defensive tackle position is his sixth consecutive appearance on the All-NFL and All-NFC teams, the longest active streak among players. He was also named PFWA’s Defensive Player of the Year.
On the All-NFL team, he was honored alongside Indianapolis Colts star DeForest Buckner, a player who defined the Colts defense throughout the season.
Donald was also one of seven repeat selections from the 2019 edition. He joined Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, Colts guard Quenton Nelson, Chicago Bears kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson, Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker and Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt.
Ramsey was honored with his second selection to the All-NFL team, with his first coming in 2017 with the Jacksonville Jaguars when they went to the AFC Championship game. This year, he is joined at the cornerback position by Miami Dolphins’ Xavien Howard.
On the All-NFC team, Donald was lined up alongside Fletcher Cox of the Philadelphia Eagles while Ramsey was with Green Bay Packers’ Jaire Alexander.
Other notable appearances on the All-NFL team include Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Bears, outside linebacker Khalil Mack, and Packers wide receiver Davante Adams.
Donald accumulated 45 total tackles, 13.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup in 16 games. Ramsey had 44 total tackles, an interception and nine pass breakups in 15 games. Ramsey also allowed the fewest receiving yards (309) in coverage among 33 cornerbacks with 500 or more coverage snaps in the regular season, per Pro Football Focus.
L.A. Chargers hire Brandon Staley as head coach
While Donald and Ramsey will be back in 2021 to help anchor the Rams defense, they will be without star defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. Staley was hired as the next head coach of the L.A. Chargers despite their reported interest in Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
