Aaron Donald cites All-Pro LB as NFL’s best defensive player

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt. Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Donald gives All-Pro LB his endorsement as NFL's best defensive player

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 4/5/24

With former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald recently retiring, the title of best defensive player in the NFL is up for grabs.

But if you ask Donald, there’s already an heir apparent to his vacated throne — someone who’s one of just two non-defensive lineman to be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year since 2014.

“If you want to say that next guy, that defensive player, I would say right now it's T.J. Watt,” Donald said on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast. “If you're talking about that's doing it year in, year out, consistently, that's going to get you 15, 13, damn, 22 sacks. He's the one that's been doing it consistently.”

Sack leaders over the last 5 years ⤵️

1. T. J. Watt - 76.5
2. Myles Garrett - 68
3. Trey Hendrickson - 57.5
4. Nick Bosa - 53.5
5. Maxx Crosby - 52
6. Haason Reddick - 51.5
6. Aaron Donald - 51.5
6. Chris Jones - 51.5 https://t.co/6plIXGiv1j pic.twitter.com/5sSMVR7rON
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) March 29, 2024

Watt was named Defensive Player of the year in 2021, and many felt he was robbed of the award this season, which went to Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett despite Watt having more sacks (19 to 14), QB hits (19 to 14), tackles for loss (19 to 17), batted passes (six to three) and fumble recoveries (three to one).

Since his rookie year in 2017, Watt leads the NFL in sacks (96.5), forced fumbles (27) and fumble recoveries (10). He’s also been the NFL sacks leader three of the last four seasons.

With Donald no longer playing, Watt is likely the most feared pass-rusher in the league now.

“His stats are ridiculous every single year,” Donald said. “I feel like he's that guy to me. I know you've got Micah Parsons coming up. Myles Garrett. You've got a bunch of good players. But from the time I first saw T.J. Watt to the last year, he's consistently been dominating in this league. Just a lot of respect for him, and I think he's that guy.”

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