Aaron Donald, Sapp, Randle, mean Joe green who you got for your starting DT

[Jplaya2023]

Donald and Von Miller (at OLB/DE) were probably the two most explosive linemen I've ever seen.

Nearly immediately after the ball was snapped those guys would be in the backfield.

Only two players:
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Defensive Player of the Year x2
5-Time First-Team All-Pro
Super Bowl Champion

Lawrence Taylor and Aaron Donald.

If this guy played on a more televised team, there'd not be many arguments against dude. I think some people need to rewatch the tape and pay attention to how fast he blew up plays.

Let me ask you a question? If AD played during lets say 82-98 would he have those same accolades? If the answer is yes, then he's the GOAT. If the answer is no then maybe the peers he has defensively are not as great as they were in years past. It does not take away from AD greatness. Just something to consider

 

[IIVI]

Let me ask you a question? If AD played during lets say 82-98 would he have those same accolades? If the answer is yes, then he's the GOAT. If the answer is no then maybe the peers he has defensively are not as great as they were in years past. It does not take away from AD greatness. Just something to consider

I honestly think he does and even more. A lot more statue QB's during those times and AD is just a physical monster.

I knew basically after the combine that the guy was simply different.

For a DT all-time:
3rd fastest 40 yard dash time all-time
Fastest 10 yard split
#16 all-time in Broad jump
In the group of top 12 for Bench press
5th fastest 3-cone time.

Aaron Donald - MockDraftable

www.mockdraftable.com

Quite simply, outright even more of a match-up freak than Von Miller was at OLB/DE.

OL today aren't read for the explosiveness and skilled hands, those 80's OL would not have an answer imo.

 

[Jplaya2023]

I honestly think he does and even more. A lot more statue QB's and AD is just a physical monster.

I knew basically after the combine that the guy was simply different:

Aaron Donald - MockDraftable

www.mockdraftable.com

OL today aren't read for the explosiveness and skilled hands, those 80's OL would not have an answer imo.

But remember back then they ran the ball more and threw less so his opportunities would be more limited plus hes a bit undersized at tackle so they could wear on him

 

[IIVI]

But remember back then they ran the ball more and threw less so his opportunities would be more limited plus hes a bit undersized at tackle so they could wear on him

The thing is teams would run the ball at him more, until he keeps stopping them for negative yardage.

Dude's get off and hands vs those linemen will mean he's going to be meeting a lot of RB's in the backfield before they even get going.

Additionally, you can stack 8 in the box because during pass plays AD will annihilate those linemen, who themselves were a lot smaller compared to today.

We're also talking about someone who's seen pretty monstrous RB's as well.

 

[Black White Sox Hat]

Who had more fun than this guy right here?

 

[Bboystyle]

yeah, I know, but that doesn’t negate my point of him being a bit overrated : true, indeed he was a great player, but when so-called NFL experts started to say he is the greatest or one of the greatest defensive players of all time was a bit ridiculous
i’ve been watching the NFL for decades on decades and I can honestly say I don’t think he would even start on the DL for the infamous 85’ Bears

this nikka continues to be the woat on here for NFL talk

 

[Shadow King]

Though I don't think so some might argue he's one now. I'm not sure if 5 All Pros and 5 Pro Bowls are enough though. Especially if you compare his resume to someone like Chris Jones or Fletcher Cox.

His resume is in the same tier as them.

But remember back then they ran the ball more and threw less so his opportunities would be more limited plus hes a bit undersized at tackle so they could wear on him

Being 290 at his height gives him leverage and compact strength. He'd be fine 30 years ago.

 

[kingofnyc]

what AD did for his size as a DT is asinine. Cmon dog.

listen , i’m giving him his props - but his lack of size is one of the reason i think the so-called experts overrate him

 

[kingofnyc]

this nikka continues to be the woat on here for NFL talk

I forgotten more NFL than you ever consumed

 

[Bboystyle]

I forgotten more NFL

At least u admit to your dumb ass hot takes

 

[Super Cheech]

Aaron Donald.
But there is no wrong answer.

 

[kingofnyc]

The thing is teams would run the ball at him more, until he keeps stopping them for negative yardage.

Dude's get off and hands vs those linemen will mean he's going to be meeting a lot of RB's in the backfield before they even get going.

Additionally, you can stack 8 in the box because during pass plays AD will annihilate those linemen, who themselves were a lot smaller compared to today.

We're also talking about someone who's seen pretty monstrous RB's as well.

with all due, respect some of you dudes on here are way out of touch with 80s 90s NFL

it seems you have no idea how much more physical the game was back then - again, no disrespect to Aaron but an under size D lineman just wouldn’t have made any difference back then

 

[kingofnyc]

At least u admit to your dumb ass hot takes

your 2000 in the red … that’s all I need to know the type of poster you are

 

[IIVI]

with all due, respect some of you dudes on here are way out of touch with 80s 90s NFL

it seems you have no idea how much more physical the game was back then - again, no disrespect to Aaron but an under size D lineman just wouldn’t have made any difference back then

Randy White and Dan Hampton are the two All-Decade NFL DT's from the 80's.

They both weighed 260 lbs, while Aaron Donald weighs 285 lbs. However, they're significantly weaker and less explosive because as they're taller, they're more frail and less dense.

The OL of those guys would get demolished by the current OL's. These cats today like Frank Ragnow, Jason Kelce, Ryan Kelly, Joe Thuney, etc. would wall up on 80's DT's. All of those cats are over 6'4 300 lbs.

No DL in the 80's has seen anything like some of these Samoan OL's. Closest thing was Jesse Sapolu and that guy was a x4 Super Bowl Champion. Now it's a bunch of Larry Allen-built (RIP) OL on every NFL team.

 

[AlbertPullhoez]

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