Retired Aaron Donald Passes 'Best Defensive Player' Label to AFC North Standout

As the NFL's best defensive player rides away into retirement, he's passed the label to the player he thinks will replace him with that title - and he's in the AFC North.

Jan 2, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) rushes / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was recognized for most of his 10 seasons in the NFL as the best defensive player in the league.

As he rides off into the retirement sunset, Donald was recently asked on Chris Long’s podcast who he thinks might replace him with the title of "best defensive player."

Jan 2, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) rushes / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

“I think it’s T.J. Watt,” Donald said. “You talk about a guy that’s consistent. Been doing it year in, year out, consistently, that’s gonna get you 15 sacks, 13 sacks, 22 sacks, consistent. He’s the guy who’s been doing it consistently, interceptions, touchdowns, His stats are ridiculous every single year. He’s that guy to me. I know you’ve got Micah Parsons that’s coming up, you’ve got Myles Garrett, you’ve got a bunch of good players.

"But in my opinion, in the time I’ve seen T.J. Watt in this league, from the first time I’ve seen him to last year, he’s consistently been dominating in this league. So a lot of respect for him.”

It begs the question for Baltimore Ravens fans, "what about a Raven?"

Right now, there might be two options for the best Ravens defensive player. Some might say linebacker Roquan Smith while others might say defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.

But they're still young, and haven't put up the numbers Watt has. Besides, there's probably a little Pittsburgh bias from Donald.

He grew up in Pittsburgh and cheered for the Steelers as a child.

“Before I got drafted I’d be like, it’d be dope to play for my hometown because I grew up a Steeler fan,” Donald said. “I flirted with that idea a little bit, maybe I could go home and play for the Steelers.”

Ravens fans should be happy that never happened. I can't imagine game planning for Watt and Donald on the same defense twice per season.