NFL Honors Predictions: Can anybody catch Aaron Donald?

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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 02: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles running back Theo Riddick #25 of the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field on December 2, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Donald (DT, Los Angeles Rams)

For much of 2018, it looked like NFL defenses in general were taking a break as offenses were on a record pace in points scored. Aaron Donald was not among those guys. He’s been a terror to quarterbacks everywhere with 16.5 sacks in 12 games. Few defensive tackles have ever earned the tag of “unblockable” but he’s in that category with two sacks in each of his past four games alone. If that trend holds he’ll break Michael Strahan‘s single-season record of 22.5 sacks.

Closest threat – Khalil Mack of the Chicago Bears. Offensive coaches around the NFC smacked their heads when the Oakland Raiders traded Mack to Chicago. It was like throwing a water balloon filled with gasoline onto an already raging bonfire. Sure enough, the Bears have a top five defense this season and Mack is leading the charge. Despite missing two games with an ankle injury, he has nine sacks, five forced fumbles, and an interception for a touchdown.

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