30. Myles Garrett

Team: Cleveland Browns

Position: DE

Experience: 2 Years

Myles Garrett was the clear-cut number one choice in the 2017 NFL Draft. In his time at Texas A&M Garrett was named a consensus All-American and totaled 31 sacks—fourth-most in SEC history—in three seasons. That production has carried over to the next level as he’s amassed 20.5 sacks during his first two years in the league. Garrett is coming off a trip to the Pro Bowl following the 2018 season. Opposing linemen have had their hands full when it comes to stopping Garrett. His speed and athleticism off the edge make him a terror to block.

In Garrett’s two seasons, Cleveland has gone from bottom of the barrel to rising contender. A real reason for that quick turnaround has been the talent that resides on the defense. Drafting Garrett was the crown jewel and he immediately played dividends for the Browns. He is able to be a force against both the pass and the run; allowing him to stay on the field for every down-and-distance situation that Cleveland faces. Last year, Garrett not only appeared in all 16 games (played just 11 as a rookie) but also started each game. He’s a mainstay for the Browns.

Year three brings a change to Cleveland’s coaching staff. After Freddie Kitchens went from interim to full-time head coach, he put together his own coaching staff. Gone was the Gregg Williams, the only defensive coordinator that Garrett has played for professionally. Williams’ scheme is known to be intense, pressure-heavy, and versatile. Garrett got a doctorate-level course on NFL defenses and is likely to be better for it in the long-term. Replacing Williams is Kris Wilks who was fired as head coach in Arizona after one season. Wilks’ defenses are similarly aggressive in their quest to create pressure. The front will remain the same as the team sticks with a 4-3 scheme.

The goal is for Garrett to join the ranks of J.J. Watt, Von Miller, Khalil Mack as one of the premier players on the edge of the defensive line. In hopes of speeding up that process, Garrett revealed that he’s dropped 10 pounds leading up to this season in hopes of being able to play faster—his current weight of 262 pounds is closer to his collegiate playing weight. If he can play faster and remain stout against the run then he’s well on his way to being among the best players at his position.

By adding Sheldon Richardson and Olivier Vernon this offseason, the Browns strengthened their defensive front. A foursome of Garrett-Richardson-Larry Ogunjobi-Vernon is one of the most talented frontlines in the league. If they all remain healthy, figuring out who to double team or chip with a tight end or running back will be a tough choice for offensive coordinators. Having a singular talent like Garrett is a decent starting point but in order for that one player to truly shine through is by surrounding him with other talented players. Cleveland has done that and now it is on Garrett to take that leap into superstar status.