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The St. Louis Rams strengthened their defensive line with the addition of Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who they picked 13th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. Here’s what we know about Donald: He’s an offensive lineman’s worst nightmare. It was necessary for some offenses to double and sometimes triple team him. This freed up Pitt’s other defensive linemen to wreak havoc on a vulnerable offense.
Donald has the tools make an immediate impact in the NFL, because he’s not just a pass-rusher. He’s an extremely gifted athlete with a knack for catching ball carriers in the backfield. Donald led the NCAA in tackles for loss with 28 and managed to pick up 11 sacks in the process. That’s impressive coming from a defensive tackle, especially considering that those numbers were just one season of work. Donald’s career stats are mind-blowing; he recorded 29.5 sacks and 181 tackles, 66 of which were for a loss, during his four-year stint with the Panthers.
Donald compiled these extraordinary statistics by flat out beating offensive linemen. He keeps his legs moving and is able to drive offensive linemen backwards. Donald ran the 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds during the NFL Combine. He is extremely quick off the snap and is strong enough with his arms to use swim and bull rush moves. Donald is so physically strong that he bench-pressed 225 pounds a total of 35 times at the NFL combine.
That said, Donald’s only weakness appears to be his size. He is slightly taller than six feet and has a short wingspan (32 5/8 inches), which means that if he is contained successfully by an offensive lineman, Donald is likely done for that play. His arms are not long enough to challenge most offensive linemen’s longer reach. Donald would also benefit more to differentiate his pass rush moves when possible.
Nonetheless, a player like Donald with a fast motor is a threat to most offenses. Placing him alongside fellow defensive tackle Michael Brockers and the ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn will force offensive coordinators to rethink their strategy. Donald’s presence is certainly needed considering the Rams are playing in the NFL’s best division, the NFC West.
*Update: Donald continued his success from college into the pros. Many believed he would eventually become successful in the NFL, but he dominated instantly. Starting in just 12 games he earned: 37 tackles, nine sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection. Donald already has the accolades to prove his accomplishments. He was named to the 2014/2015 Pro Bowl roster and was given Defensive Rookie of the Year which is difficult to do as a defensive tackle. Just to add to his impressive rookie resume, Donald was the Rams’ most consistent defensive linemen which speaks volumes considering the talent that is featured on the defensive line. Not a bad rookie year indeed.
Source:CBSSports.com, Sports-Reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
2014, 2014 NFL Draft, Chris Long, Defensive Rookie of the Year, featured, Michael Brockers, NCAA, NFC West, NFL, NFL Combine, Pittsburgh Panthers, Pro Bowl, Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams, University of Pittsburgh
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The St. Louis Rams strengthened their defensive line with the addition of Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who they picked 13th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. Here’s what we know about Donald: He’s an offensive lineman’s worst nightmare. It was necessary for some offenses to double and sometimes triple team him. This freed up Pitt’s other defensive linemen to wreak havoc on a vulnerable offense.
Donald has the tools make an immediate impact in the NFL, because he’s not just a pass-rusher. He’s an extremely gifted athlete with a knack for catching ball carriers in the backfield. Donald led the NCAA in tackles for loss with 28 and managed to pick up 11 sacks in the process. That’s impressive coming from a defensive tackle, especially considering that those numbers were just one season of work. Donald’s career stats are mind-blowing; he recorded 29.5 sacks and 181 tackles, 66 of which were for a loss, during his four-year stint with the Panthers.
Donald compiled these extraordinary statistics by flat out beating offensive linemen. He keeps his legs moving and is able to drive offensive linemen backwards. Donald ran the 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds during the NFL Combine. He is extremely quick off the snap and is strong enough with his arms to use swim and bull rush moves. Donald is so physically strong that he bench-pressed 225 pounds a total of 35 times at the NFL combine.
That said, Donald’s only weakness appears to be his size. He is slightly taller than six feet and has a short wingspan (32 5/8 inches), which means that if he is contained successfully by an offensive lineman, Donald is likely done for that play. His arms are not long enough to challenge most offensive linemen’s longer reach. Donald would also benefit more to differentiate his pass rush moves when possible.
Nonetheless, a player like Donald with a fast motor is a threat to most offenses. Placing him alongside fellow defensive tackle Michael Brockers and the ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn will force offensive coordinators to rethink their strategy. Donald’s presence is certainly needed considering the Rams are playing in the NFL’s best division, the NFC West.
*Update: Donald continued his success from college into the pros. Many believed he would eventually become successful in the NFL, but he dominated instantly. Starting in just 12 games he earned: 37 tackles, nine sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection. Donald already has the accolades to prove his accomplishments. He was named to the 2014/2015 Pro Bowl roster and was given Defensive Rookie of the Year which is difficult to do as a defensive tackle. Just to add to his impressive rookie resume, Donald was the Rams’ most consistent defensive linemen which speaks volumes considering the talent that is featured on the defensive line. Not a bad rookie year indeed.
Source:CBSSports.com, Sports-Reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
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