After much recent debate about whether he would win the award, St. Louis Rams defensive tackleAaron Donaldwas named the Pro Football Writers of America’s Defensive Rookie of the Year on Tuesday. He’s the first Ram to win the award sinceIsiah Robertsonwon it back in 1971.
Donald finished his rookie year with nine sacks, which ranked him second in the league–only behind Buffalo’sMarcell Dareus–at his position. With those nine sacks, he had the most single-season sacks for a Rams defensive tackle sinceD’Marco Farrhad 11.5 during the team’s inaugural season in St. Louis back in 1995. Donald had 47 total tackles, which led Rams defensive linemen. 11 of those tackles were for loss, and he also had one pass defended and two forced fumbles. Those impressive numbers resulted in Donald being selected to the Pro Bowl; he was the first Rams rookie to receive the honor since running backJerome Bettisin 1993.
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Donald had faced some solid competition for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, mainly from Oakland Raiders linebackerKhalil Mackand Minnesota Vikings linebackerAnthony Barr, both of whom were selected ahead of him in this year’s draft. Mack had 75 tackles, though he had a somewhat disappointing four sacks playing in a pass-rush-intensive role. Barr, who was limited by injuries down the stretch, finished with 70 tackles and four sacks over 12 games.
Along with Donald, cornerbackE.J. Gainesand running backTre Masonwere also named to the PFWA’s All-Rookie team. Gaines was perhaps the Rams’ most consistent player in 2014, and he supplemented spectacular coverage with 70 tackles, 15 passes defended, and two interceptions. Mason led the team with 765 rushing yards on 179 carries over 12 games.
Next: Rams Closing Evaluations: Grading the Cornerbacks
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