Sean McVay says what every Rams fan feels after Aaron Donald announced his retirement

Aaron Donald's retirement didn't take the Los Angeles Rams by surprise, but it still hurt.  Los Angeles has to rebuild its defense without one of the greatest to ever play on the defensive line. That means looking at different options in the draft and the free agent market.  Still, head coach Sean McVay was open […]

Ian Kayanja
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Jun 7, 2022; Thousand Oaks California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) and coach Sean McVay react during minicamp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Donald's retirement didn't take the Los Angeles Rams by surprise, but it still hurt. 

Los Angeles has to rebuild its defense without one of the greatest to ever play on the defensive line. That means looking at different options in the draft and the free agent market. 

Still, head coach Sean McVay was open and honest about life after Donald in a recent interview with NFL Network's Steve Wyche at the Annual League Meeting on Sunday. 

"We are trying to add guys as we speak. The draft will be big," McVay said to Wyche. "You have a vision of how you want it to unfold but there are 31 other teams that always have a say. I think once we get our players in place [defensive coordinator Chris] Shula and his defensive staff have done a great job setting the foundation, but you are not naïve to the fact that you are replacing this guy."

Though he may not be Donald, the Rams have already added Kobi Turner. 

During his rookie season, Turner cobbled together nine sacks. Still, he is no Donald. McVay knows that. 

"You never replace an Aaron Donald," McVay said. "Fortunately, we had a little bit of time to get our ducks in a row but man, there's truly one of one when you talk about him."

As for the relationship McVay shared with Donald, that is something so special words can barely describe it.

"It's one of the most special relationships that I've been fortunate to have in this coaching profession," McVay said. "You are reminded why you get into it and it's to be around people like him. He also happened to be an incredibly special player. I think a lot of people are probably happy that he retired, other than people on the Rams."

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