The Rams franchise has had some of the greatest collections of players to ever grace an NFL field. The team’s history is littered with Hall of Famers, MVPs, DPOYs, and just about any other major award you could have. When you think about the Rams franchise, most people visualize the offensive juggernauts they have recently had.
These players may include quarterback Kurt Warner, running backs Marshall Faulk, Todd Gurley, Steven Jackson, and wide receivers like Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, and Cooper Kupp. It’s hard to argue against those touchdown machines, but I would say that the value and longevity that the following players put into this franchise have been the true pillars for this football team for decades. Lienmen, while sometimes hard to quantify statistically, certainly have their immeasurable value to teams.
5. Jackie Slater
Rams T Jackie Slater (78) – George Gojkovich/Getty Images
Jackie Slater is the definition of a cornerstone player. Jackie played a jaw-dropping 20 years as an offensive tackle for the Rams. Along with holding numerous longevity records like most seasons played by an offensive lineman in league history, most playoff games started in franchise history, etc., Jackie was an every-down force to be reckoned with.
During his 20-year career Slater was able to block for old school legends in the late 70’s like Joe Namath, all the way into mid 90’s for players like Jerome Bettis. During his time with the Rams, Jackie “Big Bad” Slater was a seven-time pro-bowler and made 2nd team All-Pro four times. We will be hard-pressed to ever see a modern NFL offensive lineman play at an elite level for as long as Jackie did for just 1 team.
4. Jack Youngblood
Rams DE Jack Youngblood (85) – Heinz Kluetmeier/Getty Images
Jack Youngblood is one of the most severely underrated players in NFL history. Jack was a first-round pick in 1971 and played his entire career with the Rams’, retiring in 1984. During his career with the Rams Jack wreaked havoc on opposing offenses racking up a total of 151.5 sacks. He was a seven-time pro bowl selection and known as one of the grittiest players in the NFL.
Many know the story of Youngblood playing with a broken leg. In the divisional round of the 1979 playoffs against the Cowboys, Jack broke his left fibula while sacking Roger Staubach and continued to play through the pain. He went on to play in Super Bowl XIV against Pittsburgh and even in the Pro Bowl the following week!
3. Merlin Olsen
Rams DT Merlin Olsen (74) – Neil Leifer/SI
Merlin Olsen was a household name during the 1960s and 1970s for good reason. Off the field during those decades, Olsen starred in many movies and TV shows, including “The Undefeated” an American western headlined by John Wayne. Merlin played the beloved character “Little George.”
On the field, Olsen was even larger of a star. Merlin anchored the middle of the greatest defensive line of all time in the “Fearsome Foursome.” Merlin finished his gold jacket career with 91 sacks and 14 Pro Bowls in 15 seasons playing. Merlin was such a dominant force in the middle of the line that even as a defensive tackle who impacted the game with minimal stats, he was still nominated twice for the MVP award.
2. Deacon Jones
Rams DE Deacon Jones (75) – Walter Iooss Jr./SI
David “Deacon” Jones was one of the most feared defenders in NFL history. Deacon hated quarterbacks with a passion. He is quoted as saying, “You take all the offensive linemen and put them in a burlap bag, and then you take a baseball bat and beat on the bag. You’re sacking them; you’re bagging them. And that’s what you’re doing with a quarterback.”
Deacon was the first modern elite defensive end. He stood with a massive 6’5″, 270 lb. frame. He perfected the now-outlawed head slap move that he used to perfection to rush past offensive linemen. Deacon is “unofficially” listed as 3rd in NFL history with 172.5 sacks. This was the NFL record at the time of his retirement. The 5-time NFL sack leader and 2-time defensive player of the year was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980, capping off one of the greatest careers in NFL history.
1. Aaron Donald
Rams DT Aaron Donald (99) – Alex Gallardo/Associated Press
It is safe to say we have never seen a player like Aaron Donald before in the league. He has been an absolute wrecking ball to any offensive player who gets in his path to the football. When talking about how some players would fit in different eras, Donald would surely be considered one of the best players in the league at any point in time.
He has a relentless motor and a nose for the football, tallying 24 forced fumbles in his nine-year career. This is good for 24th all-time; he has also played the 3rd fewest games amongst that group. Donald has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and is often talked about as being amongst the most impactful defensive players of all time. Even though his career is still going, Donald is already the greatest player in franchise history.
