While the Los Angeles Rams may have fallen short of expectations in the 2019 NFL season, defensive tackle Aaron Donald continues to beef up the resume after being named to the Professional Football Writers of America’s All-NFL team.
This is now the second time Donald has managed to separate himself from the pack after being voted a First-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press. He is now officially the only player to make both teams for a fifth consecutive year.
Of course, this should come as no surprise considering the dominance he has displayed ever since entering the league in 2014. Donald finished the 2019 campaign with 48 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles while beating double teams at a higher rate than any other player in the league.
Although his numbers may have fallen off from his historic 2018 season, it was still more than enough to maintain his status as the best player at his position en route to PFWA honors:
Offense
QB – Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
RB – Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans; Christian McCaffery, Carolina Panthers
WR –Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons; Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
TE – George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
C – Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles
G –Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts*; Marshal Yanda, Baltimore Ravens
T – Ryan Ramczyk, New Orleans Saints; Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore RavensDefense
DE – Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings*; Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Saints
DT –Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams+; Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
OLB – Chandler Jones, Arizona Cardinals; T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
MLB – Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks;
CB –Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots*; Tre’Davious White, Buffalo Bills
S – Jamal Adams, New York Jets; Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh SteelersSpecial Teams
PK – Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens*
P – Brett Kern, Tennessee Titans
KR – Cordarrelle Patterson, Chicago Bears
PR – Deonte Harris, New Orleans Saints
ST – Matthew Slater, New England Patriots
The Rams have had some trouble getting some return on the recent investments they made to shore up the key pieces on their roster. fortunately, Donald’s production has never wavered and fans can take solace in the fact that he remains as arguably the best player in the league regardless of position.
The reigning, two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year will certainly have his work cut out trying to fend off some of the other frontrunners for the award such as New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore and Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Fortunately, Donald’s recognition as of late shows that his efforts are not being overlooked by many voters.
