Cleveland Browns: 3 takeaways from Round 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft
By Kirk Binder
Of all the rumors and stories leading up to the draft, the biggest question was what the Browns would do with the first overall pick.
“It’s an exciting time. We just added three impact players to our roster, and we are all very excited about that.” – Hue Jackson
What once seemed like an obvious choice, as the draft approached there were more and more stories and rumors that Cleveland would select someone other than Myles Garrett, namely local product and quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
But after the smoke cleared, the Browns did the smart thing and picked the consensus best player in the draft.
Most experts are saying Garrett is a generational talent, and with Cleveland needing to shore up their defense, especially the pass rush, he should be able to step in and provide an immediate spark to the defensive line.
In Gregg Williams defensive scheme Garrett not only has the opportunity to start. but he could and should become a star. Going up against quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger, Andy Dalton and Joe Flacco twice a season, Cleveland needed to upgrade the pass rush. Picking Garrett is that upgrade. His presence on the line will allow the other linemen to flourish as well, as he will take extra attention to defend.
Garrett’s addition not only helps the defensive line, it should help the entire defense. Having Garrett bursting off the edge will give opposing quarterbacks less time in the pocket, which in turn should have them either taking a sack or hurrying their throws. Quarterbacks under pressure make mistakes, which will lessen the burden on the secondary.