Myles Garrett Named Second Best EDGE In NFL

 

We all know Cleveland Browns rusher Myles Garrett is a stud.

The No. 1 pick back in 2017, Garrett’s gone for 38 sacks over his last three seasons.

His 16-sack season season last year was top-five in the NFL in 2021-22.

And heading into this season, fans should expect another star-studded and sack-stuffed season from the former Texas A&M Aggie.

But don’t just take my word for it.

ESPN released results from a survey of NFL “execs, coaches, scouts, and players” to rank the league’s top players at nearly a dozen positions.

So where did Cleveland’s star land in this year’s rankings?

 

The List

Garrett finished second in the list, which was compiled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Here’s what Fowler had to say about the stellar Garrett:

“Garrett made a compelling case for a second consecutive No. 1 ranking thanks to 16.0 sacks and a first team All-Pro spot. Plus, Garrett’s 26.5% pass rush win rate led all defensive ends in 2021. Simply put, he’s one of the best athletes on the planet, and everyone on the field feels it.

The knock on Garrett two years ago was that he could disappear at times during the season, failing to impose his will on some Sundays. But the Browns know he was facing double- and triple-teams back then. Having Jadeveon Clowney on the bookend is huge in keeping defenses honest and allowing Garrett to get after the QB.”

Fowler hit the nail on the head with this one.

There’s a reason Garrett’s production has ticked up over the last few seasons: Jadaveon Clowney.

Myles Garrett suiting up for @cavs pic.twitter.com/5et9uc1oho

— GQ Sports (@GQSports) July 11, 2022

Last season, Clowney’s first in Cleveland, Garrett managed career-highs in sacks (16) and tackles (51).

That’s likely due to the fact that Garrett is seeing more one-on-one matchups with Clowney prowling the other end of the defensive line.

And NFL execs know how good Garrett is at winning one-on-one matchups:

“When he’s on, one-on-one, he’s unblockable. He still gets chipped and extra help/slides his way, but it’s not what it used to be. That helps explain his recent dominance.”

 

Slide?

Earning a place as the second-best EDGE rusher in the league is quite the accomplishment.

That’s especially true given the talent-level at the position right now.

Garrett finished higher than Nick Bosa (No. 3), Joey Bosa (No. 4), and Maxx Crosby (No. 5).

But one year ago, Garrett was second to none on this list.

He finished one slot higher than Pittsburgh Steelers star TJ Watt last year on the same list.

But heading into 2022, the rankings flipped, with Watt now top of the list.

But fans shouldn’t be too worried that this means Garrett is due for some horrendous drop in production next season.

Rather, it has more to do with Watt’s individual greatness than anything else.

Myles Garrett is one of the best things to ever happen to the city of cleveland

— Abby Mueller (@abby_mueller_) July 10, 2022

Last season, Watt notched a league-high 22.5 sacks.

Not only was it a league-high last season, but it matched Michael Strahan’s 2001 record for most in NFL history.

When a player has that kind of season, it’s difficult to put any names higher than them on any rankings.

That will just make it all the more exciting when the Browns play the Steelers this season.