Fansided

Top 30 NFL players of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 28: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams takes the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 28, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 28: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams takes the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 28, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

9. Aaron Donald

Aaron Donald is arguably the most dominant interior defensive lineman in the history of football. Since being drafted in 2014, he has never missed a Pro Bowl, and has been an All-Pro every year except his rookie season.

He had nine sacks as a rookie with the Rams, and immediately built off that in 2015. He totaled 11 sacks along with 69 tackles, 22 of which were tackles for loss. Donald won his first Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2017. He had 11 sacks along with five forced fumbles.

2018 was when Donald really became this unblockable presence. He led the NFL with 20.5 sacks, as well as 25 tackles for loss. He was once again named Defensive Player of the Year. He won the award for a third time in 2020 with 13.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. Donald still has a long career ahead of him.

He is only 30 and is still playing at an elite level every single week. In all likelihood, he will be the all-time record holder for sacks by an interior lineman, and will go down as one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history.

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