Rams chose violence, chemistry to replace Aaron Donald in NFL Draft

LA Rams GM Les Snead has done some pretty clever selections of rookies, free agent signings, and even crafted some impeccable trades in his history with the team. But I, for one, am absolutely floored with the revelation that has occured to me on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

We have all made, read, or heard the comments that the LA Rams have no possible way to 'replace' Aaron Donald. And I get what that means. The legacy of this team, his impact, and the way that Aaron Donald has changed the standards of playing on the defensive line in the NFL have been irrevocably changed. But that is a self-defeating prophecy for a defense that must find a way to compete without Donald in 2024.

Surrender is no option.

But if the team managed to clip the violence and chemistry of a top-notch NCAA defense, and grafted that explosive firepower into the LA Rams defensive front? Now we're cooking with gas.

I don't think that I am the first or only one to see this. The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue cited the violent chemistry witnessed in the coordination and cooperation between Florida State defender Jared Verse at edge rusher and Braden Fiske at defensive tackle. It was their devastation on opposing offenses that amplified the effect of one another.

One of the most difficult transitions from college to pros, particularly in regards to getting after the quarterback, is the need to synchronize pass rush moves with other defenders. But in the case of former Florida State defenders Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, that is part of the package deal.

Let me put this in other terms. While all other NFL GMs are shopping for a pass rush at the IKEA store, Rams GM Les Snead just outfoxed the competition by drafting the complete pass rush kit from the Florida State Seminoles defense with no assembly required.

Let the other GMs play checkers. Rams GM Les Snead is the grandmaster of the NFL Draft, and just showed a brand new move in his latest match.