When you have the best defensive lineman in the NFL, the defensive line as a whole is almost sure to be one of the top units in the league. That’s the case with the Los Angeles Rams, who boast Aaron Donald at defensive tackle.
Donald will be joined by Michael Brockers and A’Shawn Robinson up front this season, which is a formidable trio that possesses plenty of flexibility and a strong track record against the run. Brockers and Robinson aren’t the best pass rushers, but they’re plenty good when it comes to defending the run.
Pro Football Focus ranked every defensive line in the NFL on Monday and as expected, the Rams were near the top thanks to Donald. They came in at No. 8, just behind the Broncos and one spot ahead of the Chargers.
PFF’s rankings include edge rushers, which for the Rams, aren’t technically defensive linemen. In their 3-4 scheme, it’s outside linebackers such as Samson Ebukam, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Terrell Lewis who are included in PFF’s defensive line rankings.
Having both Brockers and Robinson “feels a little redundant” to PFF’s Sam Monson, but he likes the run-stuffing ability of Greg Gaines and Sebastian Joseph-Day’s well-rounded play after his first season as a starter in 2019.
Elsewhere in the NFC West, the 49ers ranked fourth, the Cardinals are 18th and the Seahawks are all the way at the bottom of the list at No. 32.
