Aaron Donald should be the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year

This week's show: Aaron Donald has been the best defensive tackle in the NFL ever since his first day on the field four years ago, but in 2017 he's taken his play to an entirely new level. The race for Defensive Player of the Year has been his to lose for about a month now, and as long as he keeps playing like this, the Rams have a shot to beat any team in the league.
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[@huntrdz]

-2017: "Best season so far" -2018: "best season so far" Dude every season gets better and better

[@matthewcrane5294]

Luis Rodríguez numbers are down this year

[@armandod7406]

Matthew Crane gets double and triple teamed yet still puts up numbers

[@vcnblxbl4936]

@@matthewcrane5294 accounting for not only doubles but triple teams is like having an extra player on the d-line... plus i'd take 12.5 sacks an unbelievable amount of pressures and tfl's as a down year.

[@matthewcrane5294]

I never said it was his fault. ALL I said was that numbers are down

[@fmgmack]

@@matthewcrane5294 7.5 sacks through five weeks he’s BAAACCCKKK

[@whatsforsupa]

It's simple: I see a Brett Kollmann video, I click like

[@roythewolfe]

This video aged really well.

[@jumpdashooter]

SB WINNER

[@thevillainoushero7446]

Brett's videos usually do.

[@wayne_6312]

And we got Eric Ebron......

[@TonsOfFunk]

wayne 631 yeah, he will never get a chance in Det because we could have had Donald.

[@moritzkuhlmann5358]

wayne 631 came here to say this ... RIP

[@tcorisbanks9777]

wayne 631 don’t be upset we took Greg Robinson with the #2 pick. Lucky we had two picks and was able to grab him

[@moritzkuhlmann5358]

Cori B yeah and somehow we still managed to end up with Robinson starting for us at LT SMH

[@DB-qc9br]

Honestly it wouldn’t matter. Detroit is destined for failure

[@famousamos]

This is high quality content.

[@FloHallach]

I'm about to watch this video, but even if this was a case against Donald as the DPOY, I would still give it to him without a doubt. He basically disrupts every single snap and while you see him expose some of the best offensive linemen in the league as well, it's those games in which the opposition doesn't have great guard play, that number 99 just completely takes over. I don't think anybody in league can match his combination of quickness and power inside.

[@FloHallach]

chanberries I coach football and I'm watching tape right now. On the side I watch NFL tape half the time and I write my thoughts down at halilsrealfootballtalk.wordpress.com I have no idea why anything I said would make you think I don't.

[@ZACKSTACK1204]

But that's the thing if their not facing great guards you would expect Donald to dominate. Its the games against the great olines that show just how elite he truly is

[@FloHallach]

That depends on the way you see it. AD wins his matchup every single week and what makes him special is the fact he can dominate the greats, but especially if you have a mismatch your team expects you take games over. I mean of you watch him against the Seahawks, he basically single-handedly won that game. The offense just need to put 10 points on the board and the coverage had to hold up for 2 seconds, because then Donald was already in Russell Wilson's face.

[@ZACKSTACK1204]

Florian Hallach no I understand exactly what you mean but I guess I see it as if a great/Elite player has a mismatch I expect him to dominate ala Khalil mack's 5 sack game 2 years ago. But dominating other great/elite players that are supposed to shut you down that's what makes them elite

[@FloHallach]

No doubt, AD does his stuff to everybody in the league. That makes him a once-in-a-generation talent. But I don't think there's anybody, who can defeat average opponents with the frequency he does.

[@MZeternally]

Aaron Donald is really underrated. Him, Khalil Mack, and Bobby Wagner are the best defenders in the NFL.

[@eniesmellner6762]

Zanyy Luke Kueckly too.

[@DB-qc9br]

Underrated? He’s ranked as one of the best in the league and is talked about nonstop

[@hokageofkonoha5108]

Zanyy Lattimore can be added to that list

[@ryz1025]

Thanks for finally mentioning Bobby, he consistently racks up way over 100 tackles a year, he forces fumbles, he make great coverage reads and gets picks, and he is a captain and the anchor of the Seattle defense

[@goatinaroun1944]

No love for DeMarcus Lawrence? He’s become one of the best pass rushers this year and run defenders

[@themonkeyjokey4065]

Keep in mind, this video was made before his incredible 2018 season.

[@teti_99]

His ability to be flexible turning his shoulders limits the amount of target space for the offensive linemen to lock on to. All while keeping his hips square to the position of the quarterback's location. That is not an easy thing to do for any defensive tackle. But for him it is like second nature. His height "disadvantage" is what helps him do this because of his low center of gravity and leverage. I love this breakdown of his technique!!! This was the style of play that I used up until I blew my knee out my freshman year against UCLA. I was a shorter defensive tackle/nose guard at 6 foot even and we ran a 3 man front so I was always having to plug the A gaps and shut down the run. Thanks for sharing!!! Great video!!

[@zsmith4681]

Absolutely love when you break down defensive line or pass rush players. I'm a highschool athlete, and I learn something new every time you break them down! Keep up the good work

[@BrettKollmann]

Glad to be of service!

[@dkchen]

You thought 2017 was an amazing year for him LOL.

[@YoungZach4]

Your technique breakdown is excellent. It's like watching the video through a different lens after the explanations.

[@olddude427]

Probably the BEST breakdown I've been able to find on any player just Subbed. IMPRESSIVE!

[@scarrington]

Dude... Your videos f**king rock. The most insightful football videos on YT by far. #respect

[@ginosanchez7]

Yet another great video man! I discovered your channel this morning and now im just binge watching these!

[@colekennedy-gooch6861]

As a very under-sized D-lineman (a 5'5 205 pound senior) I was watching this and I found that many of the things that Donald does to negate his lack of NFL size are very similar to things that I do. Especially power rushing with my hands on the shoulder to get the O-lineman turned then finishing with a quick rip and squareing my hips back. Im looking forward to my senior year and my first year getting significant time as a starter (I was starting last year, but blew my knee out 2 games into the season with 12 tackles and 2 sacks). And Im definetly going to have to try that hand swipe combo

[@nozz4879]

Dude gets tripled team and still managed to get through them and sack the qb

[@freemoney9769]

Bro I love you, I’ve been waiting for this for so freaking long. Aaron Donald is a beast.

[@AlexRoma-Mena18]

Man, love your vids!

[@0nekhmerXViet]

Great content Brett! Just my third season watching football and I'm starting to get more familiar with defenses now so this is gold for me :)

[@andyfritz6883]

I saw Aaron Donald play firsthand in both High School and then later at Pitt. The man was an ANIMAL. I distinctly remember watching a Pitt vs. WVU game where they TRIPLE teamed this man and he still got to the quarterback. Everyone that saw him KNEW he was beyond special.... and to think... he grew up right down the road from us here in Pittsburgh

[@vkorchnoifan]

He has the most explosive speed that I have ever seen in watching football for 50 years.

[@andrear5730]

I could literally watch this all day long... Loved it...

[@AvishaiFuss]

As usual, excellent detailed analysis mixed with a little too much hyperbole. Overall, great stuff!

[@FreeNachos]

Love your content my friend, I subbed. Keep it up! Huge Rams fan here...

[@vkorchnoifan]

Your analysis is spot on. AD reminds me of Merlin Olsen, but much more explosive on the initial start. MO used finesse to untangle the arms and hands of the offensive lineman. AD uses his upper arms to ward off the hands and arms of the OL. Even when he is double teamed, AD quickness disables the OL team as to where they could plant their feet to stabilize the stance. AD has that rare agility to upset the mind of the OL. He is one of a kind. He should get the money he deserves (70mil+)

[@TyC.Thompson]

This video aged very very well!

[@aaronbraddock8773]

Now put Suh on the line with him, and Peters and Talib locking down the corners! Rams to the Super Bowl!

[@Coregamer6]

Aaron Braddock fuck you got them all

[@SideStrafed]

LAH362 and they’re going to the super bowl...

[@keenanburton2623]

Aaron Braddock Hey. They went !!! Good call. They tried my man

[@loveBronist]

love ur D-line analysis please do more!

[@jambalaya201]

This guy helps me so much in developing as a D-Line player I transit his theories and expertise in my own game and my mind and it helps me alot

[@thedevilspunch]

Great video. Excellent analysis.

[@dariusshirley3396]

Great video ‼️ one of your best‼️

[@olddude427]

I have to say it again... GREAT BREAKDOWN, outstanding work!

[@justlookaroundpeople]

The greatest defensive player of all time!

[@Aviral955]

Do a video of a possible Jags vs Vikings matchup, I'm intrigued to see how a game like that would pan out

[@Hoodrowwilson...]

Nolan Pratt Blaine gabbert is barely below kirk cousins level of garbage and it just be watching garbage burn the whole game and the Vikings would win by a last second kirk cousins forced fumble on an attempted pick 6

[@nathanlong5185]

This video has aged extraordinarily well. I think the 2021 season cemented him as a surefire HOFer, even if he retires after the SB

[@pbreacts7285]

This Aged beautifully

[@ShoeAlmighty]

man you really nailed the 2014 draft. You should go back and do a recap, it would be very educational to know how you were able to make these calls and why you might have got some wrong.

[@mattbritzius570]

Glad to here he's killin it this year. I wish I'd been watching him more, one of my favorite players.

[@Storm-jn5ct]

Donald vs Mack. A discussion actually worth talking about

[@kylelittle130]

stormtrooper 2817 two different positions completely

[@Storm-jn5ct]

not exactly, and the translation from 4-3DE/ 3-4LOLB to 3-4DE 4-3DT is better than trying to compare Mack or Donald to say a CB

[@Ian.langford823]

stormtrooper 2817 There's a pretty large difference between an interior defender and an edge defender, Donald is usually a two gap defender facing interior blockers while Mack usually only has one gap responsibility and faces tackles and has to deal with TEs, you could compare them but it would be like comparing Tyrann Mathieu to Richard Sherman, they both play coverage and do alot of the same things, but Mathieu has different responsibilities.

[@Kaddywompous]

And to think, Rams were in position to draft them both... and used the #2 pick on Greg Robinson!

[@SP559Boi]

To think Mack was almost a ram

[@herowitho]

i love your videos ! keep it up bro !

[@death.for.breakfast]

Thank you for the video! Hopefully it pleases the football gods!Go rams!

[@treydrew4021]

6:03 The O-lineman on the ground looks so defeated he put his head down like damn this dude is unstoppable.

[@BrianGlaze]

Always great content Brett! I've always wanted to know what makes Aaron Donald so good.

[@TheLordNugget]

That draft was one of the few times I knew 100% a guy was going to be a HOF type player. As a Bears fan I knew he was perfect for the 3 technique position, a position they desperately needed, and would instantly make that defense relevant. Him going a single pick before the Bears were on the board hurt. Hurts even more knowing just how right I was. Not to mention how bad that defense ended up without a decent pass rush. We had garbage at DT that year.

[@RAMS4L1FE]

Great video man !

[@alecjohnson55]

great video. Holy shit I don't want the bolts to play the rams even more than I did before.

[@alecgholland]

Hard to say if he is actually better than John randle. One thing is for sure Donald isn't even close to the entertainer that John randle was. He was borderline psycho

[@BrettKollmann]

One of my all time favorites. He's a maniac.

[@JZeez96]

I still can't believe he was undrafted. Vikings always seem to find great undrafted talent.

[@VLA1234-t2t]

Jesse just imagine all the people that go undrafted and never make it in the nfl that could make that impact. Look at thielen

[@emmanueloluga9770]

Do you have film on randle

[@Nvme18]

As a 49er fan I can assure you this guy should be DPOY. If you watch him on tape he's either getting a sack or forcing the QB out of the pocket. Brett can you do a video on Jimmy G? There's something special brewing out in San Fran.

[@TheNightOwlKS]

As a Texans fan, I was making the case that had Wade Phillips stayed on as defensive coordinator when Bill O'Brien got hired, you could have made a case to draft Aaron Donald over Clowney & Mack. Could you imagine having to deal with Watt & Donald as an interior pass rush duo? This season is also validating my thoughts as we see what happens if Wade Phillips got a hold of Donald.

[@davidho0603]

I'll come back to this video 15 years later

[@Momo_Nana]

So the raiders could have picked Aaron Donald and Khalil mack with back to back picks. And the best players on the board a couple years ago were gronk earl kam dez and demariyus yet we didn't pick any of them. Kill me now

[@TheNightOwlKS]

Mohammed Nana No, Donald was in that same draft class with Mack & Clowney. It would have been an either/or case for the Raiders, not both.

[@studmuffin3264]

Mohammed Nana what the fuck are you talking about? No they didn't

[@Momo_Nana]

Hank Hill oh shit I don't know wtf I was thinking

[@BrettKollmann]

Rams could have gotten both Mack and Donald at least. That would have been something.

[@Momo_Nana]

Brett Kollmann let's not think about that for Russel Wilson's sake

[@vsauce4678]

Coming back to this it is hard to believe but he is actually improving somehow

[@Gizmomaster]

Calais Campbell, nuff said

[@paulk5311]

what about him?

[@Hoodrowwilson...]

paul k more sacks and touchdowns

[@skywalkerthom1733]

GREAT content!

[@vkorchnoifan]

Explosive speed, shoulder and arm strength with finesse makes AD the best defensive lineman in the NFL. Pay him what he is worth !!

[@GUNGLADIATOR77]

Aaron Donald is a monster, he needs to be given more recognition.

[@Playboyy1985]

PFF has a 99.7 rating on him this year just absolutely ridiculous......nobody plays his position better than Aaron Donald. He plays DT better than Brady and Rodgers play QB

[@michaelcrenshaw6398]

Marshon Lattimore v Julio Jones??? You said you’d do it earlier. Or is Lattimore injured? Also, do Darius Slay

[@TerminalChillness]

Damn, Brett...it seems like you don’t miss ANYTHING. I’ve never seen anyone so attentive and aware of every little thing in football. “Biomechanics” and shit, lol.

[@MKAngeletti]

This dude is real life All-Madden difficulty

[@h1films55]

Um you should do Cameron Jordan of the saints 🤦🏽‍♂️ now that man is underrated ! Geat video none the less

[@josephslaughter1658]

Really good content. However ass a pass rusher you do not want lateral separation from the offensive lineman. Ideally you want to be right on their hip after your hand move and bend the circle.

[@kidballerondeck]

Can we eventually get a segment titled "Film Room Throwbacks" featuring older HOF players and what made them great from a breakdown and technique point of view?

[@davidc.8717]

Well said

[@legendarylawgz5315]

I like how he beat the guard before the end even hits the tackle

[@timothymartin8685]

Damn u was right

[@JayA-ir3it]

Do a Tyreek Hill video, he didn’t get a pro bowl nod as wide receiver but has over 1000 yards and more 50+ yard touchdowns than anybody.

[@BrettKollmann]

I did one!

[@JayA-ir3it]

Brett Kollmann oh my mistake, I’ll check it out

[@livnedX7]

Could you do a Film Room about Oline ? Not neccessarily the best Olinemen in the game but the best overall oline in the NFL and how do they operate and the chemistry behind it ? It's a very interesting subject ever since you talk about Jordan Howard last year. This is coming from a Raiders fan trying cheer ourselves up after a huge dissapointing season..

[@mylesgarrett7-8-1bakerdoze5]

To think that the Lions would have had Aaron Donald, Ziggy Ansah and Darius Slay

[@micilo4198]

They could have also had tj watt

[@deadlyrocket2761]

And ndamakong shu

[@TheNightOwlKS]

To think that the Texans could have had Watt & Donald together

[@Jan_ne]

0-16

[@Hoodrowwilson...]

Wild card loss

[@Zappiestcow]

I watched a 10min ad for you

[@BrettKollmann]

Thanks boo

[@Zappiestcow]

Could you make a video on rodgers return game against panthers...I wonder why he performed subpar! Thanks!

[@patrykkuffel2679]

Imagine Aaron Donald vs Quentin Nelson

[@huh7307]

This year

[@eaglesrj7685]

My first game of mut was madden 15 and my and my cousin both got a signature pack mine happens to be a signature Aaron Donald (this was before the season started) he was a 74 gold player and he was the best on my d line and I said this guy gonna be something special and he was so Aaron Donald is Always gonna have. A special place in my heart and mut team

[@dankburrito4219]

Ray Perez I remember first seeimg his tape for Pittsburgh. That guy was in the backfield all game. Dude was unblockable. Always has been a beast to me.

[@hendog721]

Lot of his sacks were against 1 on 1 blocking. Crazy that he's not doubled on every play

[@ohyeahyeah1736]

They try and block him one on one for like a second because they dont want to get beat by a blitz but thats all the time donald needs

[@lomax343]

Whilst it's hard to argue against Donald's elite status, you focus on only one aspect of his game - that of an interior pass-rusher. Yes, he's astonishingly good in this role, and I'm grateful to you for opening my eyes to his remarkable nimbleness for a man of his size. But you say nothing at all about Donald the run-defender. The days are gone when it was acceptable for defensive linemen were one-dimensional - rush the passer or stuff the run - so this is a significant omission. You portray Donald as a player who only does one thing - albeit better than anyone in the league. This is both inaccurate and unfair. The Rams ranked fifth in run defence this season, so it's fair (and no great surprise) to say that Donald is pretty good against the run. Good enough to warrant some analysis, I would've thought.

[@PaulGaither]

lomax343 He did a whole video about the Saints, if I recall, and how their run game worked. They talked about how they ran the ball like 2 or 3 times all game at him and how it failed horribly, and when they ran away from him, you could see the runner with a head start narrowly escaping the backside pursuit. The dude is a freak.

[@Hoodrowwilson...]

I stkpped.reading when you said whilst

[@lomax343]

@ Jags Day - It's not my fault that your vocabulary is limited.

[@Hoodrowwilson...]

lomax343 bruh I accidentally pressed the k kkk

[@lomax343]

@Jags Day - It was your apparent difficultly with the word "Whilst" that I was endeavouring to highlight.

[@sheilanvelazquez9623]

another great video

[@Ball50hardMF]

You should do a Ndamukong Suh or Vince Wilfork technique video too!

[@joshdavison2444]

I feel like you should do a review video of all your past predictions. Some might be pretty funny.

[@shrekcity8859]

I think Jordan still has a shot, not only has he punished QBs with hurries and sacks, the same amount as Donald, but he's terrific in the run game with more tackles than Donald, and has AMAZING PBU skills. He has more pass defended than most cornerbacks this year!

[@rosteroster]

Would appreciate a follow up on the Deforest Buckner vid showing how he's increased his pressure numbers so much

[@floatyredballoon]

A video dedicated to the importance of Linval Jospeh in the Vikings defense would be interesting

[@vladimirjackson1272]

2022 now and Donald STILL the best defensive if not all-out player in the NFL! In terms of, he is SOOOOOOOOOOOO much better than the next defensive tackle! He's #1 every year except for the year Mahomes got it! Mahomes deserved the hell out of that MVP and #1 rating for that season he had!

[@Justice0.0]

W

[@HakeemRDaud]

Last week I chuckled on Sheldon Young comment about the "film room curse", then AB injured. Now I swear if something happens to the Rams or Aaron Donald, don't jinx it Brett! 😅

[@azdarkforce]

Brett did a video on Detroit focusing on Stafford, many weeks ago and he is still eligible to play and sneak Lions into playoffs, so I would say if curse is only in your mind.

[@iamkee]

What about Bobby Wagner, this guy is as elite and consistently as it gets. He’s very underrated it’s a shame.

[@conorstrack552]

Exactly, no one is showing bobby any love.

[@de132]

Right now, I'm leaning towards Donald, but Wagner is my number 2 right now

[@joshtamke3713]

Search Samuel Gold he does similar vids and did one on wags

[@phillipnguyen8789]

Objective Panther Fan lol dumbass he was dealing with a hamstring injury but ya know ur just a stupid ass casual

[@objax]

phillip nguyen Even if he is dealing with an injury that is still part of the talk for MVP. If you play through an injury you are responsible for the statistics that come with it. Allowing Gurley to have an amazing game like that (while not all his fault, it is the defense’s fault as a whole) really hurts his chances because it goes against his consistency and also discredits the fact that the Seahawks defense is what is winning them games (even though besides that, it really is. Especially with how good they have been without Kam/Sherman.)

[@paulk5311]

donald is an avid student of the game as well. he is constantly breaking down film and making notes on every lineman he will likely face that week. if there is a weakness in a blocker you can be assured donald knows about it.

[@jey4908]

I hope we see one about the prevent defense soon

[@moonbull3137]

My guy 💡

[@Tormentor]

Rhodes vs Jones breakdown? Or is that one cancelled?

[@andrewmoreno626]

Yes, awesome vid

[@marcanthony00]

Damn but good call. Definitely greatest there tech and probably most dominant

[@tonyeason7900]

How do you see his role with the new personnel? Where will he line up? What about Brockers and Suh? Does their new back end and poor middle linebackers potentially change anyone’s assignments up front?

[@TheIKXuma]

FINALLY , Thank you!!!

[@looneygoon1543]

If y'all wanna see him play in high school look up Penn Hills Indians football network 2009 highlights or games

[@looneygoon1543]

He was #59 btw

[@userf9113]

Do more game plans!!! Like Zimmer v McVay!

[@timcammitch]

Can you do one on Snacks Harrison? Got snubbed from the pro bowl after a dismal season by the rest of the team.

[@TheTrackstar2112]

I would love to see you go over Cameron Jordan

[@zarriewashington9294]

I love this video

[@josheden832]

I been saying that since last year. I mean just look at his status from a DT. Dude is a beast

[@clashofthehornsofficialytu2082]

Aaron Donald is like a graceful monster. DPOY fo shoo