Rams' Aaron Donald Reveals 'Approachable' Goal
The Los Angeles Rams threw a lot, perhaps too many, assets into building their Super Bowl winning team in 2021-22. They sacrificed a lot of picks and players to pursue the title.
It obviously paid off, but they paid for it dearly last season with a historic 5-12 hangover. All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald is one of the few Lombardi raisers that remain with the Rams.
Donald's been perceived as one of the Rams' leaders for a few years. Now that they have an almost entirely different roster since 2021, he told the show, "Inside Rams Camp," that he wants his young teammates to come to him for advice.
"I'm approachable," Donald said. "Anytime a guy wants to work out with me, just walk up to me. I'm not the guy that's gonna make you do anything. If you ask my advice or if you want to work with me or do something, I'm here. I'm an open book."
However, Donald explained that he won't go up to his teammates and they need to show him that they want his help.
"I'm not going to chase the guys, you have to put in the work and you have to want it," Donald said. "As long as they want it and are willing to put the work in, I'm here."
One of the players that have already asked for Donald's advice is rookie defensive lineman Kobie Turner. The Rams selected Turner with the 89th overall pick in this year's draft, hoping to add some depth to the front four. Donald is already a fan of his new teammate.
"Oh he's great," Donald said. "He's really smart out there. He understands the schemes, he understands football and he's working hard. Having a young guy like that out there, he has the knowledge to pick things up quickly and he's having a great camp so far.
Donald said that Michael Hoecht has also been doing a good job this offseason. Hoecht was listed as a defensive lineman last season but primarily played special teams. However, he's expected to start as a blitzing linebacker due to the lack of depth.
"He's it, man," Donald said. "You gotta realize Mike Hoecht played nose tackle, three-tech four and now he plays outside linebacker. He's doing a good job and understands the schemes. Another guy that understands the X's and O's, he's smart. It's a big help having him out there."
Although he can't help the offense physically, Donald believes they're headed in the right direction as well.
"It's a young team, but right now the offense is looking good," Donald said. "I feel like the past couple of days they've been looking great. Stafford's been lights out throwing the ball amazingly. Receivers are catching the ball for him, the offensive line is holding up on slide protection, they're doing a good job."
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