NFC West: Ranking the top five pass rushers in the division

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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 03: Defensive end Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

1. Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams

Many consider Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald to be the best defensive player in the entire NFL, and for good reason.

Number 99 has earned a mega-contract (eventually) by destroying anything and everything in his path weekly with a combination of elite physical ability along with an incredible understanding of the game.

Donald has ridiculous quickness at the snap and plays with incredible strength and leverage on the inside.

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He had the best pass rush grade of any interior player for Pro Football Focus and finished the season with a whopping 66 quarterback hurries, 13 hits, and 12 sacks according to Pro Football Focus.

Donald is such a dominant player and uses his entire skill set to make it seem like offensive linemen aren’t even lined up against him at times. He’s too quick, too strong, and too smart.

The best teams can hope for is to simply contain Donald’s dominance, but he cannot be stopped.

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