Bobby Wagner has played with a lot of great players in his NFL career, from Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas to Kam Chancellor and Michael Bennett. He’s never played on the same defense as someone like Aaron Donald, though.
He’ll get that chance this season after signing with the Rams as a free agent. Wagner and Donald haven’t hit the field yet, of course, but the All-Pro linebacker is looking forward to finally playing alongside his fellow future Hall of Famer.
On the Pat McAfee Show, he explained how Donald will make his job easier as a linebacker, taking pressure off of him by eating up blockers up front.
“I’m really excited to play with him,” Wagner said. “I’ve been watching him from afar and any linebacker that’s got a guy like that right in front of you, it’s going to take a lot of pressure off of you and allow you to come downhill and make plays. When I come downhill, they can’t come off on him fast to come get me because then he makes the play. I’m excited to get out there and figure everything out. It’s going to be fun, for sure.”
"Aaron Donald might have sent me his meme poppin champagne after I signed" ~@Bwagz
😂😂 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/iRCyrmeCKD
— WrestleMania Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 6, 2022
The Rams haven’t had a linebacker of Wagner’s caliber in a long, long time. Having someone as talented as him roaming the middle of the field behind Donald is a dangerous combination, allowing Wagner to be more aggressive knowing there will probably be big holes left from linemen double-teaming him on most snaps.
Los Angeles’ run defense was already good last season, but it should be even better this year with Wagner pairing with Ernest Jones.