Myles Garrett, EDGE, Texas A&M: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

He has the look of being one of the top pass rushers going into 2017, so what does the scouting report have to say about Myles Garrett?

Position: DE/OLB

School: Texas A&M

Year: Junior

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 262 lbs

STRENGTHS:

• Not only tall with good length but also thick. Plenty of mass on his frame. Well-proportioned for the NFL.
• Plays well with his hand in the dirt but is plenty athletic enough to play standing up too. Can move around the line of scrimmage, finding favorable matchups.
• Fast first step. Excellent burst that allows him to get to the edge in a hurry before tackles have a chance to get back before he’s turning the corner and hitting the quarterback.

Notice here in slow motion how Garrett gets the corner fast. The tackle is already at a disadvantage and forced to grab, trying to push him past the pocket. Garrett fights through the block with good power and doesn’t lose his line on the quarterback, getting both the sack and the forced fumble.

• Fluid and agile. Able to change directions in an instant, making him dangerous on stunts.
• Maintains good pad level and leg drive, making it difficult for to double team him whenever he brings a rush up the middle.
• Ball carriers won’t get away if he gets a bead on them.

WEAKNESSES:

• Struggles at times to disengage from blockers once they’ve gotten their hands on him.
• Doesn’t always maintain gap integrity against the run, allowing backs open lanes for sizable yardage.

This play is meant to showcase the speed that Garrett has, which is considerable, but it also shows how easy it can be at times for opponents to run him out of his gap, creating a gaping hole for the running back. Rather than staying at home and keeping his eyes sharp, he crashes down the line and allowing a huge cutback lane. He’ll have to do better than that in the pros.

• Needs to continue building his array of pass rush moves. Though naturally gifted, he’s sticking to a basic arsenal at present.
• Eye discipline appears raw during certain stretches. Fails to recognize a play coming his way and arrives too late to prevent positive yardage.
• Quick passing games tend to frustrate him. Has trouble adjusting in order to affect the action.

Pro Comparison:  Terrell Suggs

The physical dimensions are fairly close, as are the styles. The Baltimore Ravens star pass rusher has that unique blends of strength, athleticism and bend that allows him to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense but also put his hand in the ground if so desired. After all, he played defensive end at Arizona State. At first he was just a situational pass rusher, but over time he became a complete player and six-time Pro Bowler.

Projection:  1st Round

There is no doubt that Myles Garrett is a lock for the top 32 next April provided he stays healthy and doesn’t suffer any problems off the field. His physical upside and development to date make him one of the top pass rushers in the 2017 class with instant starter ability.