Aaron Donald gives All-Pro LB his endorsement as NFL’s best defensive player.

The mantle of NFL defensive player of the year is up for grabs, as former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald recently announced his retirement.

However, if you ask Donald, there is already a clear heir to the throne that he has left behind. This person is one of only two non-defensive linemen to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year in the past two years.

Donald stated on the podcast “Green Light with Chris Long” that “if you want to say that next guy, that defensive player, I would say right now it’s T.J. Watt.” “You’re going to have 15, 13, dammit, 22 sacks if you’re talking about doing it consistently year in and year out. It has been he who has been doing it regularly.

Defensive end Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns won the award this season, but Watt had more sacks (19 to 14), quarterback hits (19 to 14), tackles for loss (19 to 17), batted passes (six to three), and fumble recoveries (three to one). Watt was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.

Watt has led the NFL in sacks (96.5), forced fumbles (27) and fumble recoveries (10) since his first season in 2017. For three of the past four seasons, he has also led the NFL in sacks.

Now that Donald is out of the game, Watt is probably the league’s most feared pass-rusher.

“Every year, his stats are ridiculous,” Donald remarked. To me, he seems like that guy. I am aware that Micah Parsons will soon be here. Garrett Myles. There are many talented players among you. But T.J. Watt has been continuously dominant in this league since I saw him for the first time till the past year. I have a great deal of respect for him and believe he is that person.