Shawne Merriman says Myles Garrett can be ‘one of the best to do it’

Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett emerged as a star pass rusher last year and Shawne Merriman says Garrett will be one of the best to ever play in the league.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett proved last season how dominant he can be when rushing the passer. And he did so even when he was one of the most double-teamed players in the league.

Garrett was dealing with injuries his rookie season, which limited his impact. In 11 games, Garrett made 31 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven sacks, one forced fumble, and 18 quarterback hits.

But after missing time with those injuries, Garrett returned with a vengeance and played the entire 2019 campaign. In 16 games last season, Garrett made 44 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 29 quarterback hits. His 13.5 sacks were the seventh-most in the league.

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Garrett’s play in his first two seasons has been impressive. Offenses are already treating him as one of the best pass rushers in the league. And Garrett’s play has even former NFL players thinking he can be something special.

Before Jarvis Landry’s celebrity softball game, former Chargers and Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman said he is a big fan of Garrett and thinks that the 23-year-old will be creating problems for the next several years in the NFL – via Dan Labbe of cleveland.com.

"“That guy, even when he came out of Texas A&M, I watched him and I said this guy is going to be a star,” Merriman said on Saturday. “Not a really good player, I’m talking about like a star and will be known as one of the best to do it before it’s said and done.” – Merriman via Cleveland.com"

When the Browns selected with the first overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, Garrett was viewed as a special player. Garrett was expected to be a difference maker even as a rookie, but also had plenty of potential to tap into to become a top pass rusher in the NFL. And in just two seasons, he is already a top pass rusher.

With his ability to get in the backfield, offenses are forced to game plan for Garrett, which is why he has faced so many double-teams during his short career. But in 2019, he may not see as many double teams because of the additions of Olivier Vernon and Sheldon Richardson to the defensive line. So Garrett should have more opportunities to get in the backfield in 2019.

Garrett also said this offseason that he will not be as limited as he was last season under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. According to Garrett, Williams limited him to only two pass rush moves. But now that Williams is with the New York Jets, Garrett believes more freedom will lead to more success.

He may just be entering his third season in the NFL, but Garrett is quickly becoming a star in the NFL. With another strong campaign in 2019, it may not be long until Garrett’s abilities make him one of the best overall players in the league.