Rams DT Aaron Donald was named the Pro Football Writers of America’s NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, the organization announced Tuesday.
In addition, Donald and teammates CB E.J. Gaines and RB Tre Mason were named to the PFWA All-Rookie team, as voted by the organization’s members.
Donald earned Pro Bowl honors after leading all NFL rookies with 9.0 sacks this season. His sack total was the second highest among all NFL defensive tackles, trailing only Buffalo’s Marcell Dareus, who posted 10.0 sacks. Donald’s 9.0 sacks are the sixth most by a rookie defensive tackle since the stat became official in 1982, and only three Rams interior rushers have posted more sacks in a season than Donald’s 2014 total.
Donald is also among the candidates for the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, which will be announced at the third-annual NFL Honors Awards Show on Jan. 31.
Gaines, a sixth-round pick in last May’s draft, earned a starting job in training camp and became one of the true bright spots on the St. Louis defense. He started the first 15 games of the season before a concussion kept him out of the finale. Gaines led the Rams with 14 passes defense and posted 105 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. His versatility was key as he played both outside at corner and inside at the nickel position.
Mason, a third-round pick out of Auburn, finished second among all NFL rookies with 765 rushing yards. He tied for the team lead in touchdowns scored with five (four rushing, one receiving) and had the Rams’ longest play from scrimmage in 2014, an 89-yard touchdown run in the team’s win over Oakland. Mason added 16 receptions for 148 yards.
