Opinion : Myles Garrett or Leonard Fournette at #1?

   Former Texas A&M Defensive End Myles Garrett has been widely considered the #1 overall prospect in the Draft since early last season, and has been expected to go in that first spot since that time. With a very strong balance of strength and speed on the edge, Garrett can be an instant upgrade to the defensive line of the team that drafts him. Yesterday, April 10th, however reports began surfacing that the current owners of that pick, the Cleveland Browns, are looking into taking former LSU standout Running Back Leonard Fournette at that spot.

Both positions are widely considered needs for the Browns at this point, Garrett expected to play opposite of last seasons rookie standout Emmanuel Ogbah, who collected a team high 6 sacks and another 53 tackles over 16 starts. Ogbah is almost as fast as Garrett on the edge, so both players could help the other tremendously and intimate opposing quarterbacks.

Fournette, on the other hand​, could step into the starting running back role instantly as a 3 down back and support whoever ends up playing quarterback in Cleveland with an Adrian Peterson type run support. The Browns still have a bad taste in their mouths from 2012 when they took Alabama running back Trent Richardson with the #3 overall pick, and didn't even get 1000 yards out of him.

Either way the Browns pick, it still remains a good pick on paper. However, the question still remains. Which pick is better?

Lets start with the case for Myles Garrett. Judging by the tape we have seen on Garrett compared to the rest of the Browns defensive line, the former Aggie would be the best defensive lineman on the team instantly. He's quicker, faster and more disruptive. Take a look at the rest of the Browns defensive ends on the roster.

90 Emmanuel Ogbah 6-4 275 lbs 53 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 passes defended
91 Tyrone Holmes 6-2 253 lbs 5 tackles, 1 sack
94 Carl Nassib 6-7 275 lbs 20 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 4 passes defended
97 Gabe Wright 6-2 284 lbs 4 tackles, 1 pass defended

PRO Myles Garrett 6-4 272 lbs 33 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2 passes defended

Garrett is very likely the winning piece the Browns need and can solidify the defensive front. He fits into the rest of the team, although not exactly the scheme, and can be disruptive and productive in Cleveland.

Leonard Fournette, however, can provide a bigger bang and impact. Judging by the tape we have seen on this big boy, he can easily be the next AP. That being said, Cleveland doesn't have a stand out running back on the team. To bring in a freak like Fournette, the Browns would instantly upgrade their running game and be able to provide ample support to Fournette with the updated offensive line. Take a look at the other running backs​ on the team.


25 George Atkinson III 6-1 220 lbs 34 rushing yards, 1 TD
29 Duke Johnson Jr 5-9 210 lbs 358 rushing yards, 514 receiving yards, 1 TD
34 Isaiah Crowell 5-11 225 lbs 952 rushing yards, 319 receiving yards, 7 TDs
35 Darius Jackson 6-0 220 lbs no stats

PRO Leonard Fournette 6-0 240 lbs 843 rushing yards, 146 receiving yards, 8 TDs

Fournette can add a new dimension to the offense, and unfortunately he won't be sitting at #12 when the Browns get down there. However, the running back position is very deep this year and the Browns can pick up a quality running back later in the Draft.

They can't get a poor man's Myles Garrett.

If the Browns take Garrett, they can pair him opposite of Ogbah, the 3rd fastest defensive end to go through the Combine since 2006, and have 2 elite speed rushers from the defensive end spots. Add a middle linebacker in the 2nd or 3rd round, and the Browns have a formidable from 7.

If the Browns take Fournette, they have a generational talent holding down their running back spot.

The stakes are high, and the choice isn't clear.

Let's go back to the words of the great Vince Lombardi. "Defense wins championships, boys.” I think the choice has to lean more on Garrett.

Garrett has the heart of a true champion. His entire career, he has devoted himself to being the greatest of all time. He is constantly playing with a chip on his shoulder and striving to be a better player. That is the kind of attitude the Browns need right now. Besides, Garrett warned them last Friday. They will be harrased for the next 10 years if they don't take him.