Confident Garrett checks all the boxes
Presumed 1st pick puts on a display, reinforces case
COLLEGE STATION — Accelerating toward the finish line while displaying rare speed for such a big man, Myles Garrett broke into a smile Thursday after completing his 40-yard dash.
It was the look of an athlete determined to conquer a personal goal for the sake of pride rather than to impress NFL general managers and coaches.
The gifted Texas A&M pass rusher covered the distance in an official 4.62 seconds during the Aggies’ pro day, faster than his 4.64 time at the NFL scouting combine in February. Three NFL scouts said Thursday that they timed Garrett between 4.56 and 4.59 seconds.
Garrett is regarded as
the Browns’ choice as the consensus top pick of the draft based on his credentials, physique and mobility.
By choosing to run and jump again to upgrade his combine numbers and excelling in positional drills at defensive end and outside linebacker, Garrett, 21, remained true to his character.
“Well, I thought it was impressive,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said. “Here’s a kid who really doesn’t need to show everyone much more, but yet he shows up and runs a 40. I think it just speaks to the kind of kid he is. It was impressive. He’s a very good kid.”
“It’s well-documented. I’m not saying anything groundbreaking. He’s a special athlete. He checks all the boxes. That’s why people are talking about him in the way they are.”
Garrett arguably had a lot to lose in the wake of Washington cornerback Sidney Jones suffering a torn Achilles tendon during a relatively meaningless NFL audition. Why risk a potential injury?
“Because I know I can do better,” said Garrett, adding his personal best time is 4.47 seconds. “I’ve personally done better. It’s just getting out there and showing everything you’ve been working on and not being lazy.”
The boxes Lynch referenced are built around Garrett’s foundation of uncommon skills, athleticism and work ethic.
Coping with injuries as a junior
Despite dealing with injuries during his junior season before declaring early for the NFL draft, Garrett was named a first-team All-American last season and recorded 8½ sacks and 15 tackles for losses. As a sophomore, the Arlington native had 12½ sacks and 19½ tackles, and forced five fumbles.
“This kid really put on a show,” said an AFC scout not authorized to speak publicly. “I’m wracking my brain to try to think of something he can’t do and nothing comes to mind. Honestly, I like him just as much as I did Jadeveon Clowney when he was coming out of school, if not even a little bit more. I love this kid’s attitude. He’s a true leader, the kind of guy you want to represent your franchise. He’s unique.”
The son of a former NBA player whose mother and sister ran track in college, Garrett was a freshman All-American and All-Southeastern Conference selection who had 11½ sacks his first season.
“We’ve been aware of him ever since his freshman year,” an NFC scout said. “I think he’s going to do extremely well in our league. I would never call someone a can’t-miss prospect because anyone can get hurt or not be a scheme fit or whatever, but I would be absolutely shocked if he wasn’t very successful and a future AllPro. He’s that talented and he cares about the game that much.”
Garrett has powerful legs, a dynamic inside spin move and the versatility to play as a traditional defensive end with his hand on the ground in a three-point stance or stand up as an outside linebacker out of a two-point stance.
All 32 NFL teams were represented Thursday. It was a showcase for Garrett even among an Aggies draft class loaded with future NFL players.
“Nothing surprises me about Myles,” Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said. “He’s a competitor. When he gets around his teammates, he’s even more of a competitor. He’s not coming around here to stand around. Quietly, he wasn’t happy with his 40 time in Indy. That’s who he is. He always wants to be better.”
Garrett (6-4, 268) has the size of a defensive end and speed to rival defensive backs. He had a 10-feet, 6-inch broad jump Thursday, 2 inches shy of his combine performance. He’s explosive and confident.
When asked what he’ll provide to a team as a pass rusher, he said, “Wins.”
Garrett dined and met with Browns officials, including coach Hue Jackson and general manager Sashi Brown.
“They chatted me up, wined and dined me,” Garrett said. “We talked about what I would bring to the table. They were satisfied with what they heard. I felt like it went well. We had a good experience there.
“There were no moments that went wrong for anybody. They’re happy with what I’ve done and appreciate me as a person. I just look forward to the opportunity.”
Browns do their homework
The Browns need a quarterback. They are expected to trade or release former Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler.
Jackson has said the Browns don’t plan to trade the first pick. They are expected to wait to draft their future franchise quarterback, perhaps with the 12th selection.
“A quarterback can only do so much,” Garrett said. “A defensive end can pick off the ball, get a sack, stop the run. Scoring points is nice, but if you can stop them from scoring, your offense and special teams don’t have to do much.”
Garrett said he won’t be offended should he slip and not be drafted first.
“That doesn’t bother me at all,” Garrett said. “In my mind, wherever I go, I’ll be happy.”