Randle vs Donald
By: Jake Rajala
The former Minnesota Viking John Randle and former LA Rams DT Aaron Donald are arguably Top-5 interior defensive linemen of all time. They both are quite powerful and high-motor players. The question is: who is the better IDL?
Randle didn’t start out as a stud. He failed to make the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons. After that, lights out. Randle was a greek god on the DL. He was first-team All-Pro in his fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth season. He played 14 seasons in the pros.
I believe that Micah Parsons is the modern version of Randle. They both can move around the DL and have a potent inside move. They both demand double teams on each play.
Randle never won DPOY, but he came second in the DPOY race on two instances.
Donald is a legendary DT. I believe he retired a bit too early. Donald won DROY and never looked back. He was named first-team All-Pro in seven of his eight seasons, which is quite the feat. Not only was he dominant in the regular season, but he was crucial to his team’s success in their Super Bowl run.
I would have liked to see Donald try to stay pace with Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay. Cameron Jordan, Von Miller, and Calais Campbell are still in the league.
So, is the old timer the best DT? Or perhaps the young buck has the edge?
I honestly believe that Donald is the better DT. Randle hasn’t won DPOY or a Super Bowl ring. Randle has still registered nine seasons of at least 10 sacks. Hence, he’s been one of the most consistent, elite DTs to play the game.
There are a few other IDL that are worthy of consideration for the best DT of all time. Reggie White, Mean Joe Greene, and Warren Sapp are highly gifted DL.
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