Wade Phillips knows a good defensive lineman and pass rusher when he sees one. Having coached the likes of Reggie White, J.J. Watt and Von Miller in the past, he’s worked with some of the best defensive players in league history.
Aaron Donald has earned a spot in the group of revered defenders on Phillips’ resume, and according to the former Rams defensive coordinator, Donald is a lock for Canton.
Just a couple days after parting ways with the Rams, Phillips fielded questions on Twitter, answering them with a video. In response to a question about where Donald ranks among the best defensive linemen Phillips has coached, he said No. 99 is a surefire Hall of Famer.
“Aaron Donald obviously is one of the great players in the game today, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, surefire Hall of Famer – and a great person,” Phillips said. “And that’s the great thing about the really great ones that I’ve coached. They’re not only great players but they were great people.”
Q: Where does Aaron Donald rank amongst the other legendary defensive lineman you have coached throughout your career?#AskWade
– @charliestymest— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) January 9, 2020
Donald probably won’t make history this year with his third straight Defensive Player of the Year, but he was still one of the best defenders in the league this season. Having won the award twice already, though, and being a five-time first-team All-Pro in six seasons, Donald has as strong of a resume as any active defender in the NFL.
And Phillips would pick him as one of three current defenders to build a team around, too.
Q: #AskWade Pick three current NFL players you'd like to build a defense around. 🤔 @sonofbum
– @NFLGameDay— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) January 9, 2020
It’s incredible what he’s been able to accomplish in just over a half-decade, and considering he’s only 28 years old, his numbers are going to be historic when it’s all said and done.