The Browns will make it official just after 8 pm on Thursday night but it’s been confirmed, Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett will be the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

After speculation this week that they could draft North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported Thursday afternoon that Garrett is indeed the top choice. 

Garrett has been the consensus top player in the draft since the beginning of the college football season and despite a down year in terms of production, no one can deny he’s a physical freak that will improve the Browns defense the moment he steps onto the field. 

Height-6’4

Weight-272 lbs

Arm Length-35 1/4 inches

Vertical Jump-41 inches

Broad Jump-10 feet, 8 inches

40 Yard Dash-4.64 seconds

In terms of production, Garrett was a dominant force during his three years at Texas A&M. His freshman year in 2014 he was a consensus Freshman All-American and broke 2014 #1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney’s freshman record of 8 sacks when he racked up 11.5 which was second in the SEC. He also had 53 total tackles, 14 of which were for a loss.

In 2015, he had another dominant season with 57 total tackles (18.5 for a loss), 12 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception. He was selected as a first-team All-American and won the Bill Willis Award which is given to the top defensive lineman in the country.

His junior year in 2016 saw his production dip but he still showed what he can be as a pass rusher. He suffered a high ankle sprain early in the season and missed two games. He still recorded 32 total tackles (15 for a loss), 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Despite the injury, he was still voted a unanimous first-team All-American.

College Stats

34 games played

141 total tackles (47 for a loss)

31 sacks 

7 forced fumbles

1’interception

The Cleveland Browns haven’t had a dominant defensive player in a long time. Myles Garrett has drawn comparisons to Julius Peppers and is a perfect fit in Gregg Williams’ 4-3 defense as a defensive end. He will make guys like Danny Shelton and Emmanuel Ogbah look better as more attention will be given to Garrett from the start.

There’s questions about his effort but I’m sure Williams as well as head coach Hue Jackson will demand maximum effort from Garrett. How he reacts to that will be telling for his NFL future. This is an easy choice for the Browns organization and if Garrett’s talent and effort is at max, I don’t see how this kid won’t be an All-Pro for years to come.