Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett has achieved a significant milestone by being named the NFL's top-ranked player for the 2026 season. This recognition marks a career high for Garrett, who has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the field as one of the league's most formidable defensive players.
Garrett's ascent to the top comes on the heels of a remarkable season in which he set a new record with 23 sacks, further solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in the NFL. His outstanding performance earned him all 50 first-place votes for the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year award, underscoring his impact on the game.
During an NFL promotional shoot, Garrett was unexpectedly surprised with the announcement of his ranking. Initially asked about fellow player Micah Parsons, he was taken aback when a trophy bearing his name was revealed. In response to the surprise, Garrett expressed his disbelief, saying, “I feel tired after practice. About to throw my shoulder out. Man, this is amazing.”
Reflecting on his record-setting achievement, Garrett recounted how he capitalized on a late-game opportunity to secure his 23rd sack. He noted that he had been attentive to the quarterback's cadence, which had become predictable as the game progressed. “Honestly, I knew it was going to be like one of the very last chances in the game in which I was going to have an opportunity,” he explained. “The cadence late in the game had been pretty rudimentary. So, I was like, 'All right, you know, you take your shot.'”
Garrett, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has made it clear that his goal is to establish himself as the most dominant defender in the league over the past five seasons. He stated, “I feel like I’ve been the best defensive player in the league last 5 years. I’m just trying to separate myself and make that known. I think it all really came together.” He credited his success to the support of his teammates, particularly during his time with the Cleveland Browns, where he initially made his mark.
After spending several seasons with the Browns, where he consistently recorded over ten sacks per season and became the fastest player to reach 100 career sacks, Garrett sought a trade to the Rams during the offseason. Joining forces with veteran Aaron Donald on a formidable Rams defense positions the team as a strong contender for the Super Bowl, as their combined talents force opposing offenses to rethink their strategies.
As fans eagerly anticipate Garrett's debut with the Rams, there is hope that he can translate his top ranking into a successful championship run. Although he is currently recovering from a knee injury that affected his training camp performance, his presence on the field is crucial for the Rams' defensive strategy. If his knee holds up under the pressures of game play, he could be instrumental in leading the Rams to success.
This marks only the third instance in NFL history where a reigning Defensive Player of the Year has been traded, placing Garrett in an elite class alongside legends such as Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis, Reggie White, and J.J. Watt. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Garrett as he aims to solidify his legacy and contribute to the Rams' pursuit of a championship.
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