INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 13: Jalen Ramsey #20 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)Jalen Ramsey is widely regarded as one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. However, even he doesn’t think that he’s the best overall player in the league. For that title, he turned to his teammate, Aaron Donald.
The Los Angeles Rams cornerback lauded the play of the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year in a recent appearance on the Huddle and Flow podcast. Ramsey even went as far as to say that Donald should be getting real consideration for the NFL’s MVP Award, year in and year out.
“I’ve never seen anyone like him. In my opinion, he’s the best player in the NFL. I think AD should start being in the conversation for MVP,” Ramsey said. “I know after he won Defensive Player of the Year again, certain people were in an uproar about him winning. I’m like, bro are y’all serious? Like, he is doing these numbers from D-tackle.
“His impact on the game is crazy. You look at most valuable player, and what it actually means is how valuable is this guy to this team. Take this guy off of this team and then where does their value as a team go? And you put AD on any NFL team, and I guarantee you that D-line is as top five D-line — probably top three D-line — automatically.”
Ramsey also spoke about the dynamic between him and Donald when the pair is on the field together. Despite his own outspoken nature, the Rams cornerback says he actually follows the lead of the multi-time Defensive Player of the Year.
“AD for sure is the leader, though,” Ramsey said. “AD leads me. So even if y’all feel like, ‘Oh Jalen, he’s got them turnt up,’ or this or that or whoever it maybe — no, it’s AD. It’s AD for sure, just because he inspires us to do that. We’ve got to lift our game to another level playing with AD. He’s like a big brother — like, nah, I can’t let AD down. I’ve got to step this up. That’s how I feel, personally.”
Jalen Ramsey: In my opinion, Aaron Donald is the best player in the NFL. https://t.co/td2jcZaXJ4
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 4, 2021
The combination of Ramsey and Donald made for quite the dominant defense in 2020. The Rams ranked first in points and yards allowed and rode the unit into the playoffs, even with shaky play from the offense.
Both All-Pros have signed massive extensions, making them the face of LA’s defense for years to come. With Matthew Stafford taking the over the team’s quarterback duties next fall, the Rams will certainly be in the conversation of Super Bowl contenders.
[Pro Football Talk]