Defensive end Myles Garrett has been everything the Cleveland Browns wanted since he became the top overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
He has at least ten sacks in four of his five NFL seasons and has been an All-Pro member thrice.
Garrett is also a three-time Pro Bowler and is coming off a season with 16 sacks.
Without question, he is a one-of-a-kind player that will remain the stalwart of the Browns’ defense for years.
But he is also the last of his breed based on this list shared by NFL on CBS.
No. 1 overall picks are not always a guarantee. pic.twitter.com/nvNcJWPjDN
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) July 9, 2022
It’s quite fascinating that only Garrett remains with the team that drafted him out of the number one picks from 2009 to 2018.
His former teammate, Baker Mayfield, was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a conditional fifth-round pick in 2024.
Meanwhile, 2014 top overall pick Jadeveon Clowney signed a one-year deal to return to Cleveland and line up alongside Garrett on the defensive line.
Jared Goff has also been traded for Matthew Stafford and Jameis Winston signed a two-year deal to remain with the New Orleans Saints.
Sam Bradford and Andrew Luck are both retired while Cam Newton and Eric Fisher are free agents.
Nothing Is Guaranteed In The NFL
Former head coach Jerry Glanville made a quip that the NFL stands for “not for long.”
That list above is proof of what he was talking about.
Top overall draft picks carry a heavier weight on their shoulders to perform better than their peers.
If they don’t meet or exceed expectations, they could also be released from the team.
Sometimes, a change in atmosphere can lead to more success, like what Stafford achieved in Super Bowl LVI.
However, Garrett remains with a team that believed in him and they have a chance to compete, especially if Deshaun Watson will end up playing.
NEXT: NFL Insider Shares New Deshaun Watson Update Monday