Aaron Donald, the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive tackle, is still considered one of the most intimidating players in the NFL. Offensive linemen in the league admit to having the least amount of fun playing against the talent of Donald, and recent rankings support the claim.
As he enters his 10th season in the league, various players, coaches, and analysts still hold Donald in the highest regard. Despite murmurs of his decline, Donald secured the third spot on The 33rd Team’s ranking of the NFL’s most intimidating players. Only Tyreek Hill and Patrick Mahomes ranked ahead of him.
Donald’s ranking, despite his age-32 season, follows a down year due to an ankle injury. Some believe that he may no longer be the same player that won three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Nevertheless, his reputation as a menacing defender continues to strike fear in opposing players.
Throughout his career, Donald’s impact on the field has proved to be undeniable, and once he locks in during a game, there’s not much any opposing team can do to slow him down. As he heads into his next season, he will be looking to remind everyone that he still has plenty left in the tank.
Mahomes himself name-dropped Donald, without hesitation, when speaking about the toughest players he’s faced in the NFL. If you can keep him out of the play, says Mahomes, you can open up a lot of different things.
Various factors come together to make Donald such an intimidating player, from his imposing stature to his speed and strength on the field. His combination of skills has made him a force to be reckoned with, even as he enters his tenth season in the league.
Regardless of what is said or rumored, Donald’s ability to intimidate his opponents and change the course of a game continues to be his greatest attribute. While some may be counting him out, the Rams’ star player remains a force to be reckoned with.
