Full Breakdown
Myles Garrett Secures Unanimous Top Spot in ESPN Edge-Rusher Poll
7/10/2026, 12:05:34 PM
Core Event: Unanimous #1 Ranking
ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler released his annual poll of NFL coaches, executives and scouts, and defensive end Myles Garrett was the only player to appear on every ballot. The Los Angeles Rams’ pass-rusher earned a clean-sweep as the league’s best edge rusher heading into the 2026 season, a rarity in a poll that usually includes at least one dissenting vote.
Background & Trade Context
The ranking follows a blockbuster offseason trade that sent Garrett from the Cleveland Browns to the Rams. In exchange, the Browns received edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick. The move gave the Rams a proven, two-time Defensive Player of the Year to anchor a defense that hopes to contend for a Super Bowl, while Cleveland looks to develop Verse, a two-time Pro Bowler who posted 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 27 quarterback hits in 2025.
Data & Statistics
Garrett’s 2025 campaign produced an NFL-record 23 sacks and 33 tackles for loss, earning his second Defensive Player of the Year award. Over nine seasons he has accumulated 125.5 career sacks, with 47 of those occurring while his team was trailing—a figure that ranks third in NFL history since sacks were officially recorded in 1982. He won at least one sack in eight consecutive games, tying for the third-longest streak of all time. In 2025, he succeeded on more than 20 % of his 448 pass-rushing attempts despite being double-teamed on roughly 30 % of plays.
Official Statements & Responses
Multiple NFL coordinators highlighted Garrett’s ability to neutralize every offensive scheme, noting his “game plan or counter” for slides, chip blocks and run plays away from the defender. An NFC executive praised his “elite” line-of-scrimmage navigation with minimal wasted movement. Rams officials framed the trade as a parallel to the 2022 acquisition of quarterback Matthew Stafford, arguing that Garrett’s experience and proven production immediately elevate the team’s defensive ceiling.
Criticism & Opposition
While Garrett’s dominance was undisputed, some analysts questioned the comparative value of the players the Rams gave up. An unnamed AFC executive remarked that Jared Verse “is all power at times” and lacks the variety of higher-ranked rushers. Additionally, an AFC executive described Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt as “definitely in decline,” suggesting that not all elite pass-rushers maintain peak performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's seen every type of help an offense can give — slide to him, chips from tight ends and running backs, only run plays away from him — and he has a game plan or counter for all of it,” — NFL coordinator
- “Everyone talks about Aaron Donald's power, but Myles is just as strong.” — NFL coordinator
- “He doesn't get enough credit for just how powerful he is and how you feel that up close,” — NFL coordinator
- “There are two guys that never really get blocked in the NFL, and it's those two guys — Myles and Micah,” — NFL coordinator
- “Love Verse, but some of the other rushers higher than him have more variety, whereas Verse is all power at times.” — NFL executive
The unanimous ranking underscores Garrett’s status as the premier edge rusher in the league and sets the stage for his impact on the Rams’ defensive ambitions in the upcoming season.
