Rams third-year DB ready to take on 'leadership role' post Aaron Donald

This season, the Rams have the difficult task of replacing the production of three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, who officially retired in March.

It won't be easy, either, as Donald was not only Los Angeles' best player during his 10-year NFL career but arguably the best player in the league during the span. He amassed 542 tackles, 111 sacks, 24 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.

However, third-year defensive back Quentin Lake says Donald prepared him and his teammates for when he decided to hang up his cleats for good.

"Sometimes you talk about 'Are you going to replace him,' and as we know, you can't replace him, you can't replace Aaron Donald," Lake said during an appearance on NFL Network. "Aaron Donald is the greatest defensive player that we have seen ... but Aaron Donald did a great job of making sure that the guys behind him and the guys that were with him were ready."

Lake, a sixth-round pick in 2022, believes he is among those ready to take their game to another level in 2024.

The Rams are hoping that's the case as he has registered just 63 tackles, one sack and seven passes defensed in 23 games played the past two years.

"Chris Shula, our defensive coordinator, and (head coach) Sean McVay, who I think is one of, if not the best coach in the NFL, really leaned on me this offseason to kind of lead that room," Lake added. "And that's something that I want to do, I want to have that leadership role, have that vocal leadership in the backend to help our team win games."

Only time will tell if Lake is going to do just that, but Los Angeles isn't the only one who thinks he's in store for a big season.

Pro Football Focus named Lake a potential breakout candidate entering the 2024 season thanks to his versatility in the defense. Lake believes it's because of his coaches.

"Those are two amazing coaches that have really helped me elevate my game," Lake concluded. "And I'm just excited to obviously work with them and share the experience and the journey that they envision and that I envision for myself."