Aaron Donald missed six games this season due to an ankle injury, but he was still regarded as one of the best players in the NFL. Not only was he selected to the Pro Bowl, but he also earned a spot on the first-ever player-voted All-Pro team.
This doesn’t replace the Associated Press’ All-Pro team, which is voted on by media members. But it’s a new concept introduced by the NFLPA, allowing players to vote for who they believe are the best in the league.
Buy Rams TicketsAnd so the Players’ All-Pro Team was born.
Donald was the only Rams player to make the list, being selected alongside Chris Jones as one of two interior defensive linemen. Jalen Ramsey was beat out by Patrick Surtain II and Darius Slay at cornerback, and Fred Warner and Roquan Smith were voted ahead of Bobby Wagner.
The @NFLPA just announced its first Players All-Pro team. The squad (selected by league-wide vote) is as follows: pic.twitter.com/mzsqcrWkSF
— Mike Jones (@ByMikeJones) January 11, 2023
Only active players are able to vote, and they’re only allowed to vote on players at their position or at positions they go up against. For example, centers can vote on other centers, as well as nose tackles, interior defensive linemen and linebackers. They cannot vote for themselves or teammates.
Donald was still as disruptive as ever when he was healthy, recording five sacks in 11 games. He may not have reached double-digit sacks again, but Donald remains one of the best defensive linemen in football.
