Myles Garrett secured a unanimous No. 1 edge‑defender ranking in ESPN’s executive poll on July 8, marking a clean‑sweep that highlights his immediate influence on the Los Angeles Rams’ defense.
What did the poll reveal?
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Garrett appeared at the top of every ballot collected, a rarity in a survey that usually includes at least one dissenting vote. The poll, which gathers opinions from NFL coaches, executives and scouts, placed Garrett ahead of all other edge players, confirming his status as the league’s premier pass‑rusher.
Why is the clean sweep significant?
Garrett’s dominance in the poll reflects his 2025 season, where he set the single‑season sack record with 23.0 sacks and captured his second Defensive Player of the Year award. An unnamed NFL coordinator noted his “limited wasted movement” and ability to neutralize varied offensive schemes, from tight‑end chips to full‑back slides. Such praise underscores why the Rams view him as a game‑changing acquisition.
How will Garrett fit into the Rams’ defense?
The Rams traded 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse to Cleveland to secure Garrett, a move that sparked debate. Yet analysts like Nate Atkins of The Athletic argue Garrett is “the single biggest addition any team made this offseason.” He is expected to rotate between hand‑in‑the‑dirt, three‑technique and stand‑up roles, potentially even pairing with Aaron Donald if the veteran returns.
What does this mean for the Rams’ pass rush?
Garrett already logged more than 20 % of his pass‑rush snaps despite being double‑teamed on nearly 30 % of plays. His ability to maintain pressure under heavy coverage suggests the Rams will see more pure sack opportunities in 2026. An unnamed NFC executive praised his “elite” technique, indicating that opponents will need to redesign game plans to contain him.
What’s next for Garrett and the Rams?
Training camp opens next week, and Garrett will be the focal point of the defensive line’s preparation. Coaches plan to exploit his versatility, using him as a hand‑in‑the‑dirt edge in early downs and a stand‑up rusher in obvious passing situations. If he continues his 2025 form, the Rams could rank among the top three defenses in the league by mid‑season.
How does this affect the broader NFL landscape?
Garrett’s clean‑sweep sets a benchmark for future edge‑defender evaluations. With his record‑setting sack total and unanimous poll support, he forces other teams to reassess their own pass‑rush strategies. The ripple effect may influence free‑agency decisions and draft priorities as franchises chase comparable impact.
Bottom line: Garrett’s July 8 poll victory isn’t just a personal accolade; it signals a seismic shift for the Rams and the NFL’s defensive hierarchy.