When you look at the top edge rushers in the league, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is surely at the top of everyone’s list. The only person who is close to Garrett is Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons, who is looking to get paid just like Garrett. If you were to turn on the tape and watch Garrett’s film, you would see why so many offenses are fearful of him and how big of a game wrecker he is.
When Garrett requested a trade earlier this offseason, many believed that he would get his wish, but the Browns didn’t cave into his demands and instead gave him a new contract. It was the right decision, but with a new contract in his back pocket, is it possible that Garrett could bring home another Defensive Player of the Year award to Northeast Ohio?
New year, new defensive line
For as long as Garrett has been a part of Cleveland’s team, he has put up elite-level production despite having a subpar or below-average defensive line for most of his career. That is wild when you think about it.
NFL EDGE Rushers IMPACT Score & Disruption Rate (Last 3 season)
Credit:@PFF pic.twitter.com/X8BPVDryBy
— Tyler Jaggi (@TylerJaggi) June 13, 2025
If you look at the defensive line he has this upcoming season, it has the possibility to be the best Garrett has played with. Rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham was one of the top defensive tackles coming out of his class and pairing with the former DPOY could unlock Garrett even more.
Myles Garrett + Mason Graham 🐶
(presented by @meetfabric) pic.twitter.com/Wuo9wcPmej
— PFF (@PFF) April 25, 2025
Teams are already going to have account for Garrett, but adding Graham, who can disrupt the run game along the interior and has a solid pass rush repertoire, teams will have to pick their poison. Can’t forget about last year’s second-round pick, Mike Hall, who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury.
"I really like the way Michael Hall Jr. uses his hands and his length. He's got that undersized, low pad-level power." @StevePalazzolo_ breaks down why Michael Hall Jr. is his breakout pick for the 2025 Browns 🔥👇 https://t.co/ggcIlCiz8Y pic.twitter.com/epX9VZXlF1
— Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson (@CTM_Show) May 30, 2025
The interior has the chance to be the best in the league, and the edge rusher room is deep.
Another year, another gear
When the Browns hired defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, many believed that Schwartz would unlock Garrett and get the best out of him. It worked as Garrett won his first Defensive Player of the Year award of his career. Schwartz believes that Garrett is primed for another fantastic year:
Browns DC Jim Schwartz on Myles Garrett: “I really think Myles is going to have the best season of his career.”
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) June 4, 2025
Defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire also believes this:
Garrett is one of the top defensive players in the league. Even with how great he is, there is something that he can always work on.
Despite it being minicamp, it looks like he’s even bigger, faster, and potentially stronger than he was last season.
Myles Garrett’s movement skills and ability to bend are just incredible. #Browns pic.twitter.com/dNy4v8CRom
— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) June 11, 2025
His ability to bend, explosive get off, and ridiculous speed for a person of his size and stature is something you rarely see. Garrett has the work ethic, but with a new contract and a new motivation, you can only imagine how he looks this season.
Garrett is on the road back to the Defensive Player of the Year award, whether that is the only reason or optimism in Cleveland, or not.
