Cleveland Browns: Grading all the first-round moves from Thursday
Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M
Myles Garrett, no matter what. Despite misleading reports hours leading up to the draft, the Browns held true to their draft board in the selection of Myles Garrett.
Garrett was widely considered the best prospect for months leading up to the draft. The 6-foot-4 defensive end gives Gregg Williams’ defense an explosive edge rusher to build around. In his three seasons at A&M, Garrett compiled 47 tackles for loss and 31 sacks.
The Browns ranked 30th in the league a year ago with only 26 team sacks. Garrett will provide an immediate source of pass rushing ability. The 21-year-old pass rusher contains All-Pro potential and has even drawn comparisons to Julius Peppers. The Browns should feel confident they have selected a player in Garrett that will be causing chaos in AFC North backfields for the next decade.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller commented on how good Myles Garrett is as a prospect:
"“I can’t recall many players like Garrett in all my time covering the draft. He’s an elite athlete with exceptional character and production. You never want to say can’t miss… but he’s pretty damn close.”"
The Browns defensive line now has the makings of a solid front. In Gregg Williams’ defense Garrett will be an every down defensive end opposite of Emmanuel Ogbah, with Danny Shelton in the middle of the unit.
Garrett is truly a special talent which doesn’t come around often in the draft. Browns fans should be excited with the Garrett selection alone to give the team a positive draft grade. Don’t take Myles Garrett for granted because he is going to be a special playmaker for the defense for a long time.
1st round, pick #1. . Myles Garrett. A+. Elite pass rushers like Garrett don’t often come around. Instead of forcing a quarterback at the pick, the Browns placed value in rebuilding their defense. Garrett’s potential is through the roof with athletic ability and explosiveness coming off the edge.