As we have been covering, the NFL offseason is prime time for lists and rankings. Today, Myles Garrett finally got his recognition as the top edge rusher in the NFL.
Garrett, as the #1 overall pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL draft, was expected to reach this level but to do so after only four seasons is impressive. Just reaching his prime, the 25-year-old out of Texas A&M had 12 sacks in just 14 games in 2020 running his career total to 42.5.
Garrett has missed seven games due to injury and six games due to suspension in 2019.
At 6’4″ and 270 pounds, Garrett has shown that he can win with speed, power and technique. His ability to slide inside and still be a destructive factor has been impressive and could be used more in 2021 with Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley added to the Browns in free agency.
ESPN (subscriber, $) surveyed 50 people, executives, coaches, scouts and players, to create their positional lists. That group ended up with Garrett as their top edge rusher:
“Absolutely made a massive jump last year,” a veteran AFC defensive coach said. “From a physical standpoint setting the edge and as a pass-rusher he’s just gifted. He put it all together. He was so difficult to deal with, snap in and snap out.”
Garrett’s pass-rush win rate of 26.3% last season ranked third among edge rushers despite facing 104 double teams. He won on 15 of those (14.4%), which ranked 12 in the league.
It is the final comment that Browns fans have reiterated since Garrett’s rookie season:
“Built out of a lab,” an AFC scout said. “Zero weaknesses. Power, bend, speed.”
The Browns now have Garrett locked up through the 2026 season when Garrett will be 31 years old. The contract extension signed last offseason will take Garrett through the majority of his prime and should look like a steal over the next few seasons especially for the best edge rusher in the NFL.