Myles Garrett 2017: A Promising Start

Hey guys, let's dive into the 2017 season of Myles Garrett! This was a pivotal year for the young defensive end, marking his entry into the NFL with the Cleveland Browns. We'll be looking at his performance, the expectations surrounding him, and the overall impact he made during his rookie campaign. It's a fascinating look back at the beginning of what has become a very successful career. This article will break down Garrett's first year, giving you all the details on his impact and performance. We'll discuss his stats, highlight his standout plays, and examine how he fit into the Browns' defensive scheme. Plus, we'll touch on the expectations that followed him coming out of college and how he lived up to, or perhaps fell short of, those expectations. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore the rookie season of one of the NFL's most dominant defensive forces. The 2017 season was a launchpad, a first glimpse of the player that Myles Garrett would become. It set the stage for his future dominance and provided Cleveland Browns fans with a reason for optimism during a challenging period for the team. We will analyze his impact on the Browns' defense, detailing how he contributed to the team's strategies. This analysis provides valuable insights into Garrett's early development and foreshadows the player he would evolve into, making this a must-read for fans of the game and those tracking his career. Let's see how it all went down back in 2017.

The Hype and Expectations

Coming into the 2017 NFL Draft, Myles Garrett was a highly touted prospect. Many experts considered him to be one of the best defensive players in the draft class, if not the best. His combination of size, speed, and raw athleticism made him an attractive pick for any team looking to bolster their defensive line. The Cleveland Browns, holding the No. 1 overall pick, had a clear need for a pass rusher, and Garrett was a perfect fit. The hype surrounding Garrett was immense. Comparisons to legendary defensive ends like Julius Peppers and even the legendary Reggie White were thrown around, fueling the anticipation of what he could bring to the Browns. The media and fans alike envisioned Garrett immediately transforming the Browns' defense into a formidable unit.

His college career at Texas A&M had been nothing short of spectacular. He was a two-time All-American, racking up impressive sack numbers and consistently disrupting opposing offenses. He possessed an uncanny ability to get off the ball quickly, use his hands effectively, and bend around the offensive tackles with impressive agility. His potential was through the roof, and the Browns' fans were understandably excited. It wasn't just about the sacks and tackles, either. Garrett's presence was expected to elevate the entire defense, creating opportunities for his teammates and shifting the dynamics of the game. Expectations were high, perhaps unrealistically so, considering the team's overall situation. The Browns, at this time, were still in the midst of a rebuilding phase, with several holes to fill across the roster. Placing the hopes of the entire franchise on the shoulders of a rookie, no matter how talented, was a huge ask. It would be interesting to see how he handled the pressure. The focus was on Garrett's ability to become a dominant force, someone who could single-handedly change the course of a game. This pressure of being the top pick brings its own set of challenges, and it would be critical to see how Garrett navigated them.

On-Field Performance: Statistics and Impact

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of Myles Garrett's on-field performance during the 2017 season. Despite missing the first four games due to an ankle injury, he made a noticeable impact when he finally took the field. In the 11 games he played, Garrett recorded 7 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and 31 total tackles. These numbers were pretty impressive, especially considering the time he missed. While the sack total might not seem astronomical compared to some of the league's elite pass rushers, it's essential to put it into context. He made an immediate impact, showcasing his talent and potential. His ability to pressure quarterbacks was evident. Garrett's quick first step and relentless motor gave offensive tackles fits. He consistently disrupted plays, forcing quarterbacks to make rushed throws or scramble out of the pocket. This pressure also created opportunities for his teammates, as quarterbacks often made mistakes when under duress. His impact extended beyond the simple statistics. Garrett's presence demanded the attention of opposing offenses, often requiring double teams and altering game plans. This helped open up opportunities for other defensive players to make plays.

It’s also important to remember the state of the Browns team at that time. The team wasn’t exactly built for success, and Garrett often faced double teams or had limited help from his teammates. Despite those challenges, his ability to affect the game was evident. The 7 sacks were a solid foundation, showing the flashes of brilliance that would soon become his signature. While the sack numbers are important, the quarterback hits and tackles highlight his all-around impact. He was consistently around the ball, making plays and disrupting the offense. Overall, Garrett's rookie season was a promising start. He demonstrated the skills and abilities that made him the No. 1 overall pick and provided Browns fans with a reason to be optimistic about the future.

Standout Plays and Moments

Let’s talk about some of the standout plays and moments that defined Myles Garrett's rookie season. One of the most memorable was his performance against the Tennessee Titans. In that game, he showcased his pass-rushing skills with multiple sacks and consistently pressured the quarterback. His ability to shed blockers and get to the quarterback was on full display, giving fans a glimpse of the dominant force he would become. There was also his performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Going up against a division rival always adds extra intensity, and Garrett rose to the occasion. Even though the Browns didn't win, Garrett's presence was felt, as he made several key plays and showed his ability to compete against top-tier offensive lines. Each game offered moments of brilliance, showcasing his physical gifts and football IQ. There were countless other moments where Garrett displayed his raw talent. His ability to quickly get off the line of scrimmage, his use of his hands to defeat blockers, and his relentless pursuit of the ball carrier were on full display throughout the season.

Another significant moment was his first NFL sack. The excitement and relief were palpable. It was a significant milestone that signaled the beginning of what would become a prolific career. These highlights weren't just about individual success; they represented his impact on the game. He was learning how to use his power and speed to his advantage. These plays were snapshots of Garrett's potential. They provided glimpses of the future, a future where he would consistently dominate opponents and become one of the league's top pass rushers. These plays not only excited Browns fans but also served as a testament to the work he was putting in to refine his skills and perfect his craft. Every game provided valuable lessons, and Garrett used these moments to grow and evolve as a player.

Areas for Improvement and Development

Even with all the flashes of brilliance, Myles Garrett's rookie season wasn't without its areas for improvement. Although he showed significant promise, there were certain aspects of his game that needed further development. One area was consistency. While he had games where he was absolutely dominant, there were also times where he was less impactful. Learning to maintain a high level of performance week after week would be crucial for his development. Another area for improvement was run defense. While he was primarily known for his pass-rushing ability, improving his run-stopping skills would make him an even more complete player. Working on his technique, shedding blocks more effectively, and being more disciplined in his assignments would be important. Furthermore, Garrett could refine his pass-rushing repertoire. He had the physical tools, but developing a wider variety of moves and counters would make him even more difficult to block. Adding different moves to his arsenal, and understanding when to use each one, would keep offensive tackles guessing and increase his sack totals.

Also, learning to read offensive formations and anticipate plays would help him gain an edge. Studying film, understanding the tendencies of his opponents, and developing a better sense of the game would elevate his performance. The 2017 season was a learning experience for Garrett. These shortcomings weren't criticisms but rather areas where he could grow and become a more well-rounded player. The coaching staff and Garrett himself were aware of these areas and worked on them diligently. His dedication to improvement and his willingness to learn were key factors in his long-term success. The ability to adapt and evolve is a hallmark of any great player, and Garrett possessed this quality from the very beginning. His commitment to honing his skills, both physically and mentally, was evident throughout his career.

The Browns' Perspective and Future

The Cleveland Browns, coming off a winless season in 2017, saw Myles Garrett as a cornerstone of their rebuilding efforts. His selection was seen as a crucial step towards building a competitive team. The hope was that he would anchor the defensive line for years to come and provide the kind of pass-rushing prowess that could transform the defense. While the team was still in a rebuilding phase, Garrett's arrival provided a spark of hope. The team's coaching staff recognized his potential and worked to develop his skills and integrate him into the defensive scheme. They designed schemes that would put him in positions to succeed, allowing him to use his strengths to his advantage. The Browns invested heavily in improving the roster around Garrett. They brought in other talented players to complement his skills and create a more competitive team.

As Garrett continued to develop, so too did the team. The Browns' future looked brighter because of Garrett's presence. He was a player around which the team could build a winning culture. He represented a turning point for the franchise, signaling the start of a new era. The team's long-term plan revolved around developing Garrett into one of the league's elite defensive players. His growth and success would be key to the Browns' overall success. The goal was to build a team that could compete for championships, and Garrett was seen as a pivotal piece of that puzzle. The future looked promising, and the Browns' faithful were finally beginning to believe in the possibility of sustained success. It was clear that Garrett's performance would be central to the team's long-term aspirations. The Browns knew they had a special player, and they were committed to nurturing his talent and building a team around him.

Conclusion: A Foundation for Greatness

To wrap things up, Myles Garrett's 2017 rookie season was the beginning of what has become a very exciting and successful NFL career. Despite missing a few games due to injury, he demonstrated his tremendous potential, showcasing the skills that made him the No. 1 overall pick. He left a significant impact on the Browns' defense, providing a glimpse of the dominant pass rusher he would eventually become. There were standout plays and moments that electrified fans and highlighted his raw talent. While there were areas for improvement, like consistency and run defense, the overall performance was promising. The Browns recognized Garrett as a cornerstone player and built their future around him.

The 2017 season was not just about the numbers; it was about laying the foundation for a brilliant career. Garrett showed his ability to learn, adapt, and improve, traits that are essential for long-term success. It was a starting point, a period of growth that prepared him for the dominance he would later achieve. He had the physical gifts, the drive, and the work ethic to become a superstar. The future looked incredibly bright for both Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns. His journey had only just begun, and the world was watching with anticipation. The groundwork was laid, and the promise of greatness was evident from the very start. His rookie season proved he could compete at the highest level and set the stage for a career filled with accolades and achievements. It was the beginning of a remarkable journey, and the fans couldn't wait to see what he would accomplish next.