NFL MVP stock watch, Week 6: Russell Wilson is unstoppable
By Dustin Baker
5. Aaron Donald, DT (Los Angeles Rams)
Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking of Season: n/a
2020 Stats: 7.5 Sacks, 17 Total Tackles, 6 Tackles for Loss, 13 QB Hits, 2 Forced Fumbles
We are fully aware that it’s likely a pipe dream that Aaron Donald will win the MVP award. No defender has won the honor in 34 years (Lawrence Taylor, 1984). Before that, it was the Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle, Alan Page. But damnit, it’s time. Defense is largely undervalued in this fantasy football-driven sport. Defense is and will always be just as important as offense.
Lamar Jackson was shafted this week on the Stock Watch, but he will probably be back. Donald’s team is 4-1, which is the same record as Jackson’s Ravens. Donald’s arrival to the list isn’t that outlandish.
The Rams are just two years removed from a Super Bowl run — one that fell short to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in a defensive duel. An argument can be made that Donald is worthy of MVP consideration every year. He creates a matchup schism against virtually every opponent as he racks up numbers that are often better than defensive ends. Donald is a three-technique defensive tackle. Theoretically, whatever team Donald plays for should have pressure output from two EDGE rushers — and then Donald, too. It’s nightmarish for the opposition.
He’s on pace for 24 sacks. That gets him a seat at the table.