Myles Garrett continues to cement his status as the premier edge player in the NFL, topping the latest rankings by coaches, scouts, and executives. In ESPN’s ranking compiled by Jeremy Fowler, Garrett was named the best edge player ahead of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/t-j-watt/”>T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons, reaffirming his dominance at the position.
Already the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, Garrett’s consistent excellence on the field has made him a focal point for opposing teams’ defensive strategies and game plans.
Coach and Executive Insights on Top Defensive Edge Performers
The rankings mirror the previous year’s top three, with Watt positioned just behind Garrett and Parsons rounding out the trio. T.J. Watt’s standing showed remarkable consistency, holding the narrowest range between first and third place among voters.
He’s still the gold standard for me,
a seasoned AFC defensive coach told Fowler about Watt.
He completely wrecks a game and he can do everything.
—Veteran AFC Defensive Coach
Garrett’s lowest ranking was fourth, while Parsons did not fall below sixth place. One coordinator highlighted Garrett’s significant impact, stating he is the
first person you think of when it comes to how much of your game plan
is concentrated on neutralizing him. —Unnamed Coordinator
Garrett secured at least 70 percent of first-place votes for the second year in a row, underscoring his clear edge over others in the league.
Micah Parsons’ Performance and Injury Impact
Micah Parsons, who is on track to potentially surpass Garrett as the highest-paid non-quarterback, faced challenges due to injuries that sidelined him for four games last season. Despite limited playtime, Parsons still posted impressive statistics, including 23 quarterback hits and 12 sacks during the 13 games he played.
His pressure rate of 19.1 percent led the NFL, showcasing his elite ability to disrupt offenses when healthy.
Other Notable Edge Rushers and Emerging Talent
Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, fresh off his own record-setting contract extension, was the only other edge rusher to receive first-place votes, solidifying his place among the elite. Beyond these top four players, no other competitor was ranked higher than third by any of the voters.
Aidan Hutchinson’s ranking suffered due to a severe injury suffered midseason, which halted his Defensive Player of the Year campaign. Before breaking his tibia and fibula in a game against the Dallas Cowboys, Hutchinson posted 17 quarterback hits and 7.5 sacks in just five games and had a 35 percent pass-rush win rate.
By comparison, Danielle Hunter led all qualified players with a 26 percent pass-rush win rate, highlighting Hutchinson’s high level of performance before injury.
He was on his way to the top three [with Garrett and Watt],
an NFC executive remarked on Hutchinson’s potential rise. —NFC Executive
Among the rookies, Jared Verse made a strong impression by claiming the tenth spot on the list. He contributed 18 quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks for the Los Angeles Rams during his rookie season, easing the void left by Aaron Donald’s retirement.
Verse’s postseason performance was a highlight, where he recorded two sacks and two quarterback hits in a close loss to the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Round.
Implications for the NFL Edge Position Moving Forward
Myles Garrett’s continued recognition as the top NFL edge player reflects not only his individual talent but also the respect he commands throughout the league. The close competition among Garrett, Watt, and Parsons illustrates a fiercely competitive position where health and consistency remain vital. As newer players like Jared Verse emerge, the depth at the edge position is expected to increase, potentially shifting future rankings.
With Parsons poised for a lucrative contract and Hutchinson’s potential return from injury, the dynamics of this position could evolve rapidly in the upcoming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How long is Myles Garrett’s suspension?
A. Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns is allowed to play again after the NFL lifted his suspension. He was banned for six games after hitting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with a helmet.
Q. Was Myles Garrett a 5 star?
A. Garrett was considered a top recruit, earning five stars from Rivals.com and ranked as the second-best player in his group. In October 2013, he decided to play college football at Texas A&M University.
Q. How long was Myles Garrett suspended?
A. The NFL suspended Garrett indefinitely, at least for the rest of the 2019 season, starting the next day. Garrett received a $45,623 fine, and Rudolph got a $50,000 fine. Additionally, 33 other players were fined $3,000 each for joining the fight area. The Browns and Steelers organizations were fined $250,000 each as well.
Q. What happened to Myles Garrett’s eyeball?
A. Thuney seemed to accidentally scratch Garrett’s face, possibly near his eye. Garrett took off his helmet and lay face down. Mahomes called the trainers for help. Garrett then got up and headed straight to the locker room for a check-up.