New Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods hasn’t been able to meet face-to-face with Myles Garrett in over two months, but that hasn’t stopped the new coach from getting to know Cleveland’s standout defensive end. The two regularly engage in video teleconferences along with the rest of the defensive units.
One of the qualities Woods already sees in Garrett is how No. 95 is stepping up as a leader in the offseason.
“(Garrett) is focused on being a good teammate,” Woods said in his teleconference with reporters this week. “He has been in the meetings. He is trying to step up and take more of a leadership role. I definitely think he is moving in the right direction and has the right mindset.”
With veteran captains Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert now playing elsewhere, there is a need for someone to step up and take over as the prime leadership presence of the Browns defense. It makes sense for Garrett, the unit’s most naturally talented player, to fill the role.
Based on the early interactions, it seems Woods is pleased with the development of the fourth-year pro. Garrett is coming off a year curtailed by a league suspension for his infamous penalty against Steelers QB Mason Rudolph.
“Right now, I think he’s in a good place,” Woods said. “I think as a young player in this league, you go through a lot of different things, so I definitely think he’s going to learn and grow from the situation that happened last year.”