Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was voted NFC West defensive player of the year by the four reporters covering the division for ESPN.com.

Alden Gonzalez, Los Angeles Rams reporter: Forget this division. Donald proved, once again, he might be the game’s best defensive player, period. Donald is a Pro Bowler for the third time in as many seasons, after leading the NFL with 31 quarterback hits. He added 17 tackles for loss, tied for first in the NFL with four others, and eight sacks. He did it all despite operating between the tackles. He did it despite constant double- and triple-teams, which was especially the case when the Rams' standout defensive end Robert Quinn missed the final five games. The Rams have Donald under contract for two more seasons. Soon, he’ll be one of the game’s highest-paid players.

Sheil Kapadia, Seattle Seahawks reporter: This one probably comes down to two players: Donald and Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner. Donald had eight sacks, led the NFL with 31 QB hits and was tied for first with 17 tackles for loss. Wagner is also a worthy candidate. He led the NFL with 167 tackles, 18 more than the second-place finisher. Wagner was used more as a blitzer this season and had 4.5 sacks to go along with 18 QB hits. He was the leader on a defense that once again performed as one of the league’s best. You can’t go wrong with either candidate. But in the end, Donald was the most disruptive defensive player in the league; therefore, he gets the nod.

Nick Wagoner, San Francisco 49ers reporter: Because of the position he plays, Donald might never rack up numbers eye-popping enough to win this award on a leaguewide scale, but he was dominant once again in 2016. Donald finished with 47 tackles and eight sacks, but according to Pro Football Focus, he was again among the league leaders in quarterback pressures and hits. He was also PFF's highest-graded interior defender. All of that was achieved despite getting more attention from opposing blockers than ever because of a rotating cast of teammates surrounding him.

Josh Weinfuss, Arizona Cardinals reporter: Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden matured and developed into one of the top defenders in the division throughout his second season in the NFL, finishing with an NFC West-high 12.5 sacks, while benefiting from the attention Chandler Jones was receiving on the other side of the Cardinals’ defensive front. He had a better statistical season than Donald, who was the center of many offensive line game plans. But Golden, who finished with 51 tackles, four forced fumbles and 13.5 disrupted dropbacks, was a consistent thorn in the sides of offensive lines and quarterbacks.