As Rams’ Aaron Donald Announces Heartbreaking Exit, Here are Top 3 CFB DTs Los Angeles Can Consider in 2024 NFL Draft

On Friday, ESPN confirmed the news of Rams’ DT Arnold Donald announcing his retirement. Rams were known to have one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the NFL last season, thanks to Aaron Donald’s and Kobie Turner’s combined 17 sacks in 17 games played. Now that one of their two foundational pillars has crumbled right in front of their eyes, they are in dire need of finding a replacement for Donald, something that is not going to come easy.

The Rams have plenty of DT options. To find the one that can match the standards Donald left at the franchise, however, is the tough part. As of now, these 3 are expected to be the top scouting priorities of the team.

Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, Illinois

Johnny is one of the best interior pass rushers and has a possibility of being available in the first-round pick for the Rams. With Donald going out of the picture, plugging him into a defensive front with Kobie Turner would help the Rams immensely.

He’s a disruptor all over the place with his violent speed and knows how to use his hands to push through blocks. His edge techniques are enough to beat tackles. However, Johnny struggles when he’s doubled and can’t escape. The next pick from Texas solves this.

T’Vondre Sweat, Texas

Despite being 362 pounds, the traditional nose tackle moves well, all while playing with a ton of power in the interior. The franchise lacked size with their defensive line last season, with Bobby Brown III being their biggest defender. So, landing Sweat would surely solve the mass-related problem of the Rams.

Since his strength allows him to overpower smaller centers, Sweat would throw the Rams’ problem of nose tackles, particularly against the run, out of the window.

Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson

Orhorhoro is a 6-foot-4 and 290-pound guy, less massive than even Johnny Newton. However, this, paired with his ability to play as a traditional 3-technique guy or even a defensive end, would be the perfect fit for the Rams’ 3-4 scheme.

However, he does need some polishing as a pass rusher. His comparatively limited repertoire of moves is also a concern many fans might raise, but he holds the potential to develop into a starter at some point in the NFL, probably even as a rookie.

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Now, Sean McVay’s choice among these 3 would decide the future of the defensive tackles department at the Los Angeles Rams. Who do you think is most likely to get picked?

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