Aaron Donald wins NFC West defensive player of the yearESPN
Only one defensive tackle -- the Bengals' Geno Atkins -- had more sacks than the eight of the Rams' Aaron Donald, pictured. Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was voted NFC West defensive player of the year by the four reporters covering the division for ESPN.com.
Alden Gonzalez, Los Angeles Rams reporter: Forget this division. Donald proved, once again, he might be the game’s best defensive player, period. Donald is a Pro Bowler for the third time in as many seasons, after leading the NFL with 31 quarterback hits. He added 17 tackles for loss, tied for first in the NFL with four others, and eight sacks. He did it all despite operating between the tackles. He did it despite constant double- and triple-teams, which was especially the case when the Rams' standout defensive end Robert Quinn missed the final five games. The Rams have Donald under contract for two more seasons. Soon, he’ll be one of the game’s highest-paid players.
Sheil Kapadia, Seattle Seahawks reporter: This one probably comes down to two players: Donald and Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner. Donald had eight sacks, led the NFL with 31 QB hits and was tied for first with 17 tackles for loss. Wagner is also a worthy candidate. He led the NFL with 167 tackles, 18 more than the second-place finisher. Wagner was used more as a blitzer this season and had 4.5 sacks to go along with 18 QB hits. He was the leader on a defense that once again performed as one of the league’s best. You can’t go wrong with either candidate. But in the end, Donald was the most disruptive defensive player in the league; therefore, he gets the nod.
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