The Los Angeles Rams have Hall of Famers from just about every position on the football field, but there is one particular spot the franchise has had a knack for scouting, pass rushers. But how good are they when put up against the best of all time?
According to a new ranking, Rams pass rushers claimed four of the top 10 spots. The 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino put Jack Youngblood, Kevin Greene, Aaron Donald, and Deacon Jones into his rankings. Here is what he wrote about each player;
Los Angeles Rams All-Time Pass Rush Ranking
10. Jack Youngblood: 1971-1984
Drafted into the NFL when only 14 games were played until he was midway into his career in 1978, Jack Youngblood hit his stride in his third season with the Los Angeles Rams. From 1973 through 1979, the 6-foot-4 pass-rusher racked up five first-team All-Pro nods and seven Pro Bowls. He led the NFL twice in sacks in that stretch and is still ranked sixth all-time in sacks.
It’s amazing to think he could’ve produced even more. He had “only” nine sacks entering Year 3, didn’t play a longer schedule in seven seasons, and retired somewhat earlier than some of his peers at 34 years old.
Youngblood was even more than an incredibly productive player, though. He was known as a hellacious presence who often played through injuries, and he set the tone for the Rams throughout his tenure.
6. Kevin Greene: 1985-1992
No other player on this list has greatly impacted four franchises like Kevin Greene. The longtime Rams great totaled 72.5 sacks in eight seasons with Los Angeles, including three seasons with at least 13 finishes. He earned one Pro Bowl in that span before enjoying an incredible second half of his career.
He joined Pittsburgh for three seasons and promptly amassed 35.5 sacks and two All-Pro nods before jumping to Carolina and San Francisco for one year and rejoining Carolina for two more campaigns. Greene became a pass-rush specialist during this time, surpassing 10 sacks in all but one season after turning 30. That included leading the NFL with 14.5 sacks in Carolina at 34 and then reaching 15 at 36.
With a highlight reel filled with examples of a fast, relentless presence, Greene was the motor of many successful defensive units. Only three players have more career sacks than his total of 160.
5. Aaron Donald: 2014-2023
Despite the countless concerns about how a 6-foot-1, 280-pound defensive tackle could hold up in the NFL, Aaron Donald was unstoppable until he retired this offseason. The 10-time Pro Bowler and eight-time All-Pro accomplished almost everything possible throughout his career. A Super Bowl champion, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and former Defensive Rookie of the Year, the only awards Donald didn’t land were Super Bowl MVP and league MVP.
It’s safe to say Donald could’ve earned those as well. In 2018, he shattered the record for penetrating tackles, leading the NFL with 20.5 sacks. That came in the middle of an eight-year run in which he never had fewer than eight sacks. There were only two seasons he didn’t get first-team All-Pro honors.
His formula for success featured his consistent speed off the snap, which allowed him to get into the laps of blockers and overwhelm them with short-area quickness and strength. His remarkable impact in a time where athleticism and data are constantly peaking only enhances his level of dominance.
4. Deacon Jones: 1961-1971
We’re going way back with Deacon Jones, but the original star pass-rusher can’t be forgotten or ignored. The Rams legend wrecked the NFL pre- and post-merger, leading the league in sacks five times. From 1964 through 1969, he averaged more than 19 sacks per year.
It’s unsurprising that the Hall of Famer earned a spot on the All-1960s Team, eight Pro Bowls, and five All-Pro spots. Video of the 6-foot-5, 272-pounder was like watching an adult throw teenagers aside with brute strength and fervor. He finished second in 1967’s MVP race behind Johnny Unitas and ahead of Gale Sayers.
He led the NFL in career sacks until Reggie White beat his record 23 years after Jones retired. It’s hard to understate that level of play. Jones had only 18.5 sacks in the final four years of his career as his body broke down, so it’s possible he might’ve bested some of his final totals had he benefitted from improved technology and amenities that came decades later.
The Rams have spent significant draft capital over the last two years attempting to find the next great Rams pass rusher. Could Kobie Turner or Braden Fiske be the next Aaron Donald? Could Jared Verse or Byron Young be the next Jack Youngblood?