Cleveland Browns Team Awards: MVP, Rookie of the Year, more handed out
By Randy Gurzi
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, Defensive End
With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, there were plenty of calls for the Cleveland Browns to draft a quarterback. There was also a strong belief that Myles Garrett was the best overall prospect in the draft. In the end, the Browns elected to go with talent over need as they took the Texas A&M edge rusher.
Garrett was good as a rookie but missed five games on the season. He didn’t make his debut until Oct. 8 of his rookie campaign — but was impressive in that one as he had two sacks against the Jets. He finished that season with 31 tackles and seven sacks. However, Garrett wanted more in 2018.
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And he delivered. The second-year pro isn’t the loudest person on the team, but he’s a guy who simply leads by example. Garrett was a nightmare for opposing offenses to try and stop as he spent the entire season harassing quarterbacks. He finished his sophomore campaign with 44 tackles and 13.5 sacks — while adding three pass deflections and forced fumbles as well.
Garrett was named to the 2018 Pro Bowl for his efforts, which is the first of what should be many nods for the talented defensive end. Cleveland had several defenders make huge strides this season, but Garrett runs away with this award.