As much as the Cleveland Browns appreciate what Myles Garrett did for the franchise, and with the idea that no one ever roots for a player to get injured, the organization and their fans had to crack at least a little bit of a smile when they learned that he would be sidelined with the Los Angeles Rams. Not only does it support the thinking that he would become a declining player sooner rather than later, but it also could have a potentially large impact on the first-round pick the Browns received in trading him.
The Rams looked nothing like a Super Bowl contender in their season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Garrett also looked nothing like a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, with no tackles, sacks, or pressures during the game.
It turns out that was because the knee injury he was dealing with during training camp was worse than initially thought. Now, after having surgery and being placed on injured reserve, it is unknown when he will return.
With that in mind, Garrett’s injury will likely impact the Browns, as the pick they acquired in the 2027 NFL Draft could improve if the Rams suffer without him.
“His absence will hurt the Rams’ defense and could impact their first-round draft position for 2027. The more games the Rams lose, the higher their first-round pick moves for 2027, which would benefit the Browns since they received the Rams’ 2027 first-rounder in the Garrett trade,” Mark Kay Cabot wrote.
There is still a long, long way to go, and it is worth remembering that both of last season’s Super Bowl participants, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, lost their opening game last year. But if the Rams turn into just an above-average team that does not reach the title game, the Browns’ pick could wind up somewhere in the 20s rather than in the 30s as was initially predicted.
Cleveland would then gain value not only if it uses the pick itself, but if it decides to use it as part of a package to trade up, if necessary, to get a potential franchise quarterback. After an embarrassing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in their opener on Sunday, the Browns may already be looking ahead to that talented QB class.
While doing that, they also will be keeping an eye on Garrett’s status and what it does to the Rams’ record going forward.
NEXT: Insider Warns Browns About Making The Wrong QB Decision
