Cleveland Browns: 3 cornerstone players to build around

Cornerstone Player No. 2 – Myles Garrett

While I had a few options for player No. 3 in this list, when it comes to the next two names, the gap between them and the rest isn’t even close. Not only is Myles Garrett one of the most elite talents out there, but he is also in a position where he can disrupt the game on every single play.

I love Denzel Ward and even Nick Chubb, but they just don’t touch the ball enough to be on the level of a guy like Garrett or my no. one player. Garrett can not only rush the passer and force early throws, but he can also crash the line of scrimmage and stop a running back on third and short to force a punt.

I don’t want to say Garrett hasn’t been amazing, the guy has 38 sacks over the last three years and was an All-Pro the last two seasons. However, I think he takes his game to the next level in 2022. His stat line may look similar, but you’re going to see him make four or five plays that nearly change the outcome of a game.

Maybe it is a big sack in the fourth quarter on third down or a strip-sack that is picked up and returned for a touchdown that seals a win. I’m not saying he hasn’t made big plays, but if he wants to win the defensive most valuable player in the league award, that is what it takes.

The five-year $125 million deal he signed in 2020 is already out of date as T.J Watt and Joey Bosa have both been paid more money. Not only is Garrett a fierce player, but he has also slowly turned into a strong leader as well. He isn’t a “rah-rah” guy who chatters a lot but instead leads by action.

He has really turned up his effort and I look for his best year yet in 2022 as the Browns continue to build around him.