The Rams have four Replacement For Aaron Donald.

How can Aaron Donald be replaced by the Rams?

Let’s be clear about one thing. One of the three best defensive players of all time is not just being replaced by the Los Angeles Rams. Brad Pitt said, “Guys, you’re still trying to replace Giambi,” in the movie Moneyball. I said that we couldn’t succeed. After Donald declared his retirement, the Rams’ objective won’t be to find a replacement. But they’ll have to use a lot of money to get past the formidable barrier that Donald has left behind and figure out how to replicate his output from other positions, including off the edge or a more well-rounded defensive line.

Kobie Turner had a fantastic rookie season in which he had nine sacks and tied Donald’s rookie record record for the Rams. The Rams will certainly rely on his continued development. Les Snead and co. could also still trade for a star-caliber player like Haason Reddick to give them some threat off of the edge. They could potentially look at trade options, especially if Derrick Brown becomes available. The Rams won’t necessarily have to draft a defensive lineman in the first-round, but it does become a position of need. With options in free agency now limited, here are some potential options in the draft.

1. Byron Murphy, Texas

With nine sacks and a rookie record that was tied by Donald for the Rams, Kobie Turner had a tremendous debut campaign. The Rams will undoubtedly be dependent on his continuing growth. Les Snead and company might potentially try to acquire a top player, such as Haason Reddick, in order to provide some offensive threat to their lineup. They might consider trade possibilities, particularly if Derrick Brown becomes available. Although it becomes a position of need, the Rams won’t absolutely need to select a defensive lineman in the first round. These are some possible draft choices, as free agency alternatives are now few.

We’ve also heard this one before – Murphy doesn’t have the ideal height that teams will desire in defensive lineman since he stands at just over six-feet tall. The Rams will lose some of their game-breaking ability to the Texas defensive lineman, Donald. He might be a good addition to Turner.

2. Braden Fiske, Florida State

Fiske is a talented athlete who possesses exceptional quickness off the ball. Once more, they are the kinds of players and certain characteristics that they have previously sought in defensive lineman. Fiske has room for improvement as a run defender, but his pass-rush toolkit is strong.

In contrast to Murphy, Fiske might be available to the Rams on the second draft day. Because of his age, he won’t be selected in the first round. The Rams have the option to select Fiske with their second-round pick or to trade down and select him in the second or third round.

3. Johnny Newton, Illinois

Newton would be another possible first-round selection, similar to Murphy. Although Newton is most effective at the 3T, he can line up wider to offer the defense some flexibility during passing plays. The Rams enjoyed doing it with Donald in order to offer him more advantageous one-on-ones and matchups.
For a squad looking for a player with an aggressive attitude, Newton can be a disruptive playmaker on the defensive line. With Donald out of the picture, the Rams may try to insert Newton in that position.

4. Jordan Jefferson, LSU

Jordan Jefferson might be a good pick for the Rams late in the second or early in the third round if they don’t want to commit a lot of money to a defensive lineman. On the defensive end, Los Angeles will enjoy his high motor and adaptability in positions. Jefferson won’t, however, be as effective as Donald right away as a pass rusher.

Jefferson’s contributions are in gap management and maintaining discipline during the run game. Having such quality is advantageous, particularly when combined with a player like Kobie Turner. Because of their complementary skill sets, the two players can form a strong tandem. Jefferson won’t become a pass rusher right away, but he has the makings of one in the future.