Rams Aaron Donald gets controversial NFLPA All-Pro nod

The LA Rams know that Aaron Donald is an elite defensive player. Now, it appears as though his NFL colleagues know that as well. You see, the NFL Players have voted for their version of an NFL All-Pro team. Much like that created by Pro Football Focus, the Rams have just one player named to the team.  In the case of the inaugural NFL Players’ All-Pro Team, it is defensive lineman Aaron Donald who is the only Rams player so honored:

This was a different type of All-Pro Team, insomuch that this was a roster voted upon by the football players who actually play the game. And in that regard, in my mind, it carries more weight. NFL fans and even analysts base much of their regard and respect for a player based on analog statistics, the stats that show up at the game’s end in terms of tackles and quarterback sacks.

But isn’t the true value of an NFL player how difficult that player is to block, plan around, or even negate, on a weekly basis? If that is the true measure, and it should be, then it makes complete sense for DT Aaron Donald to get the nod. But, that’s not exactly how everyone sees it:

And then there is this argument based on stats. But let’s be serious, how many offensive coordinators plan their entire offense around Jets DT Christian Wilkins:

In the end, the players voting for their All-Pro Team has just as much significance as the popularity contest nominations for the NFL Pro Bowl. And because this honor comes from the players themselves, the truth is that the honors bestowed have more chance to reflect reality than other versions.

We cannot confirm that LA Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald will be back in 2023. But we can confirm that he is still the best at what he does.