Myles Garrett named to PFWA’s 2017 All-Rookie team

This week, the Pro Football Writers of America are releasing their year-end awards for players and coaches. On Wednesday, they announced their 2017 All-Rookie team and the Cleveland Browns have themselves a representative among the group. Defensive end Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2017 draft class, was among the four defensive linemen selected by the writers.

Garrett only played in 11 games this year, missing time with an ankle injury and a concussion, but still led the Browns in sacks with seven (out of a team total of 34). He also had 31 tackles—19 solo and 12 assists—and both forced and recovered a fumble. Garrett is Pro Football Focus’ 12th-ranked edge defender, with ratings of 87.6 in the pass-rush and 84.8 against the run; unsurprisingly, he was also their highest-ranked player on Cleveland’s defense for the 2017 season.

Heading into the 2017 draft, Garrett was considered a can’t-miss prospect after racking up 31 sacks, 141 tackles and 47 tackles for a loss in three seasons at Texas A&M. He was a bright spot in an often inconsistent Browns defense as a rookie. The professional recognition from the sport’s national and local beat reporters only confirms that Garrett was worthy of his top-of-the-draft billing and that Cleveland has a true talent to anchor its pass-rush and run defense for years to come.