Cleveland Browns: 3 Early predictions for 2019
By Randy Gurzi
3. Garrett and Vernon each have 10-plus sacks
Cleveland’s defense as a whole struggled in 2018, although there were some standout individual performances — such as the play of second-year defensive end Myles Garrett. The first overall pick out of Texas A&M, Garrett flirted with the team record for sacks which is 14 — set by Reggie Camp back in 1984.
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Garrett ended the year with 13.5 but the team wasn’t satisfied with the help he got attacking the passer.
That led to them trading guard Kevin Zeitler to the New York Giants in exchange for Olivier Vernon. The former New York edge rusher will move to the left side as Garrett mans the right — the position Vernon has played throughout his career.
That could end up being a good thing since teams typically have their more agile tackles on the opposite side of where Vernon will line up. His speed off the snap and his athleticism could give those offensive linemen trouble, which could lead to a big season for the Pro Bowl player.
Our first prediction is that he will have his best season since his Miami Dolphins day as he racks up at least 10 sacks. As for Garrett, he’ll stay on the same path and also finish with double-digits in this category, giving the Browns that dual threat on the edges they desired.