Aaron Donald hasn’t put up gaudy numbers or set any records this season, but that doesn’t mean he’s having a down year. He remains one of the very best players in the league regardless of position, and arguably the top defender anywhere in the NFL.
He ranks seventh in sacks (11.0), first in tackles for loss (18) and eighth in quarterback hits (22). According to Pro Football Reference, he has the second-most pressures (49) in the league, too, only one behind T.J. Watt for the most in football. His 28 hurries are tied with Khalil Mack for first, as well.
After looking at his stats, it’s no surprise that he’s the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year again – which would be his third straight season taking home the award. Bovada has him at 13/5 to win the award, ahead of Stephon Gilmore (9/2) and Nick Bosa (6/1). T.J. Watt is 9/1, which is the fourth-highest.
If Donald does go on to win Defensive Player of the Year, he’ll make NFL history in doing so. He’ll become the first player ever to win it three years in a row, breaking a tie with Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt, who both won it in back-to-back seasons.
Donald has once again caught fire after a relatively slow start, recording at least one sack in seven of his last eight games and 10 total since Week 6. In the first five games of the season, he only had one sack.
If he keeps up this pace, he’ll be holding that trophy once again come Februrary.
