Defensive tackle Aaron Donald was named the top interior defender by Pro Football Focus at the season's midway point. Through eight games no defensive player has more quarterback pressures than Donald's 44 — an impressive feat considering the Pittsburgh product missed the Rams' first game of the season.
Every week, PFF puts together a list of the league's top performers in all three phases, but with half of the NFL season in the books, the site decided to put together an "All-Pro Team." The team is determined through an all-22 film review process, with play-by-play grading of every player on every team in the league.
Donald, with an overall grade of 96.1, had the highest score given to any player at any position. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had the second-highest score at 92.7.
Overall this season, the Donald has a top-10 run defense grade among all interior defenders. He has also shown his versatility on the line with an unmatched ability to shed blocks and quickly penetrate the line of scrimmage. Through seven games, he has recorded 27 total tackles —eight for loss — 4.0 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles, making him one of the most dynamic players in the game.
