CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett had a franchise record-setting first two years in the National Football League, and new coordinator Steve Wilks is expecting the 2018 Pro Bowler to elevate his game in 2019.
Speaking to the media prior to Wednesday’s OTA (organized team activities) practice in Berea, Wilks let it be known that Garrett has only scratched the surface with his talents.
“It is that time,” Wilks said. “First overall pick. Very talented individual. Played well last year, and I think you are only going to see continued growth out of him each and every year.”
Garrett earned selection to his first Pro Bowl after a standout second season with the Browns in 2018.
Riddled with injuries as a rookie in 2017, Garrett emerged as a leader for the Browns’ defense in 2018 and registered 44 total tackles, including 35 solo stops and nine assists with three forced fumbles while playing in all 16 games for the team who selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Additionally, Garrett registered 13.5 sacks for 75.5 lost yards and finished the year just short of the franchise’s single-season record for sacks.
“With Myles moving forward, along with all the other guys, we are just going to put them in the best position to be successful,” Wilks said.
“Not just Myles, but with all of our players. We want to make sure that we put them in the best position to be successful. Not trying to limit them, and I don’t even know if that was the case last year. Moving forward, I want him -- because he is so talented -- to know how to use all of his assets.”
With 20.5 career sacks, Garrett registered the most by a Brown in his first 27 games, as well as the most by a defender in his first two professional seasons. Last year, Garrett ranked sixth in the NFL with the 13.5 sacks.
For his efforts, Garrett became the Browns’ first front seven defender to reach All-Pro status since linebacker Jamir Miller in 2001 and first defensive lineman to earn such acclaim since Michael Dean Perry made the AP All-Pro Team in 1994.
Wilks is confident that Garrett’s productivity will continue to rise in 2019, as he believes that the additions of Olivier Vernon and Sheldon Richardson at end and tackle, respectively, coupled with development from Larry Ogunjobi will give the Browns a formidable defensive front in 2019.
“I think those two guys are going to be great for us,” Wilks said. “Their presence in the room, and not only on the field, has shown up this far.
“Does it take some pressure off Myles? Maybe it does. I do not know yet. We will have to wait and see, but I know those guys are going to be a major factor either making plays or allowing Myles to make plays.”
