Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett has declared for the NFL Draft.
Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett has announced his intention to declare early for the 2017 NFL Draft.
“After talking with my family and my coaches, I feel it is in my best interest to declare for the 2017 NFL draft,” Garrett said in a statement. “I would like to thank my teammates for always supporting me, encouraging me and holding me accountable. We are a family and I will be close with these guys forever.”
The 6-5, 270-pound edge rusher suffered through some injuries this season but still managed to post 8.5 sacks and 15.0 tackles for a loss in 10 games this year.
This is something of a down season for Garrett, who notched 11.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss as a sophomore and 11.0 sacks with 12.5 tackles for a loss as a freshman.
He also forced an incredible 5 fumbles as a sophomore last season.
Regardless of the slightly disappointing season, Garrett appears to be the best player available in this year’s draft and a solid bet to be the first overall pick when the commissioner comes to the podium with the Cleveland Browns selection in April.
He would presumably play outside linebacker in the Brown’s 3-4 defense.
Browns fan may have been worried for a moment this past Tuesday as Garrett joked that he would prefer “not to go anywhere cold” for his NFL career but he did later clarify that he would play for whoever drafted him.
Garrett also went out of his way to reiterate that position in his statement on Saturday.
Garrett said. “I will play for any NFL team that gives me a chance and they will get my very best effort.”
Garrett is ranked as the #1 defensive end in the junior class by NFL Draft Scout.
WalterFootball.com also projects him to be the #1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Here is the full statement released by Garrett announcing the move:
After talking with my family and my coaches, I feel it is in my best interest to declare for the 2017 NFL draft.
I would like to thank my teammates for always supporting me, encouraging me and holding me accountable. We are a family, and I will be close with these guys forever.
To Coach Sumlin, Coach Chavis, Coach Price and all of the coaches, thank you for believing in me, teaching me and helping me grow, not only as a football player but as a man.
To everyone with Aggie football, from the equipment guys, trainers, doctors, academic support and administration, thank you so much. A young man who attends Texas A&M has all of the resources needed to grow and succeed.
To the professors and faculty, thank you for challenging me in the classroom and helping me grow in areas outside of football.
To the 12th Man, thank you for always standing beside me and supporting me in my journey. I will always be an Aggie and I hope to make you proud.
Finally, to my family. The unconditional love and support I have had my entire life is unbelievable. Your guidance and encouragement is second to none and I deeply appreciate it. I am truly blessed.
I look forward to the challenges that are ahead and I am excited about the opportunity to play at the next level. I will play for any NFL team that gives me a chance and they will get my very best effort.
God Bless and Gig ‘Em!
Myles Garrett
