2017 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

A lot can happen between the end of the college football season and the NFL draft at the end of April. But as it stands now, Myles Garrett is likely the top defensive prospect in the draft, and very well could be the first player selected in the 2017 draft. The New York Giants will always consider pass rushers -- you can’t have enough good ones. However they have roughly a snowball’s chance in hell of landing Garrett, unless (possibly) it was a particularly treasonous snowball and landed in the ninth circle.

But barring a shocking trade up or a meteoric fall down the draft board, Garrett won’t be a Giant. However, as the top player at his position, looking at Garrett will help inform the rest of our draft board.

What makes him such an impressive prospect? Let’s take a look.

Measurables

Height - 6 feet, 5 inches (listed)

Weight - 262 pounds (listed)

40 Time - 4.57s (projected)

Pros

• Prototypical build and measurements and elite physical traits
• Explosive athlete, reportedly runs a 4.45 40 yard dash, has a 40 inch vertical, and power cleans 440 pounds
• Natural pass rusher, knows how to use his frame, athleticism, and hands to get to the passer
• Impressively productive, has 47 tackles for a loss, 31 sacks, and 7 forced, 5 passes defensed, and 1 interception in three years (including an injured junior year)
• Young player, just turned 21 in December

Cons

• Occasionally over-runs plays, losing contain
• Youth means that he is a bit inexperienced, and can occasionally be victim to cut blocks

Does He Fit With The Giants?

Yes. Garrett has more than enough athleticism to play rush linebacker in a 3-4 front, but he is the prototypical 4-3 defensive end. He is a long and explosive rusher with a knack for getting to the quarterback. Barring something surprising (and bad) like a failed drug test or an injury, the Giants have no shot at drafting Garrett with their natural pick, though he is one of the few prospects that are good enough to merit a trade up.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - N/A

Mocking The Draft - N/A

CBS Sports - 2nd overall

Draft Countdown - N/A

Draft Tek - 1st overall

Final Thoughts

I’ve been watching Garrett since his Freshman year, and the comparison between him and Jadeveon Clowney is interesting. He has a similar build to Clowney, and while he might not be QUITE as ridiculously explosive as the South Carolina D-end is (when healthy), he is a more natural football player.

It is very hard to find weaknesses in Garrett’s game, and it’s nitpicking more than anything else. No defensive player is going to win every single snap, but if the offensive lineman blocking him doesn’t bring his A-game every single snap, Garrett will make a game-changing play.