yahoo
The Los Angeles Rams witnessed a familiar face at their training facility on Wednesday, as Aaron Donald participated in what the organization officially labeled a "tryout." This development has sparked speculation about a potential return for the defensive tackle after a year away from the game, which would create a formidable partnership with Myles Garrett on the defensive front. Rams head coach Sean McVay, when questioned by NFL Network about the nature of Donald's appearance, responded with characteristic wit, calling it the best tryout the team has ever seen and suggesting that Donald could easily secure a spot on the roster.
Donald, selected 13th overall from Pittsburgh, has enjoyed an illustrious career, earning an A+++ grade for his performance. However, the focus here shifts to the dozen players who were taken ahead of him, evaluating their respective journeys in the NFL.
Top Picks Analysis
Jadeveon Clowney, the first overall pick by the Houston Texans, has had a nomadic career, playing for seven different franchises. While he never fully lived up to his college hype, he has been a serviceable player, and his return to Houston for the 2026 season is noteworthy. He receives a B- grade for his contributions.
Greg Robinson, the second pick by the St. Louis Rams, was a disappointment, lasting only six years across three teams. His performance did not justify his high selection, earning a D grade. Blake Bortles, taken third by the Jacksonville Jaguars, similarly failed to meet expectations, posting a 24-49 record as a starter, resulting in an F grade.
Sammy Watkins, the fourth pick by the Buffalo Bills, had a journeyman career with five teams, amassing 364 receptions. He receives a B- for his efforts. Khalil Mack, the fifth pick by the Oakland Raiders, has been a dominant force, recording 113 sacks through the 2025 season and earning an A+ grade.
Jake Matthews, the sixth pick by the Atlanta Falcons, has been a model of consistency, starting all 196 games he has played, earning an A. Mike Evans, the seventh pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is a surefire Hall of Famer and moves to the San Francisco 49ers, meriting an A+. Justin Gilbert, the eighth pick by the Cleveland Browns, was a bust, with his career derailed by a suspension, resulting in an F.
Anthony Barr, the ninth pick by the Minnesota Vikings, was a four-time Pro Bowler over 10 seasons, earning a B. Eric Ebron, the tenth pick by the Detroit Lions, had an average career, with his best season coming in 2018, earning a C+. Taylor Lewan, the eleventh pick by the Tennessee Titans, was a three-time Pro Bowler and has found success as a podcaster, earning an A-. Odell Beckham Jr., the twelfth pick by the New York Giants, has had a spectacular but controversial career, now attempting a comeback with the Giants, earning a B+.
Originally reported by yahoo.