Per Ian Rapoport, superstar defensive end Myles Garrett has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns.
While this is a blow to the Browns, the good news is that they hold the second overall pick in a stacked EDGE class. Take a look at which 2025 NFL Draft prospects we think could be the replacement for the former No. 1 overall pick out of Texas A&M.
Potential Myles Garrett Replacements in the 2025 NFL Draft
While it’s nearly impossible to replace the production that Garrett brings to the table, there are some truly great edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Browns hold the No. 2 and No. 33 overall picks, so here are some players that they can take at those spots.
1) Abdul Carter, Penn State Nittany Lions
Abdul Carter is the consensus No. 1 EDGE prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his junior year, he transitioned from a kind of hybrid off-ball linebacker role to a full-time EDGE and exploded.
Carter racked up 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in his final season at Penn State and skyrocketed his draft stock with some impressive performances in the college football playoff.
Carter is the complete EDGE prospect who has an elite first step, elite bend, and elite athleticism. Since he only played one full season as an EDGE, he has an incredibly high ceiling with plenty of room to develop.
After the Garrett news, I think picking Carter with the second pick is a no-brainer for the Browns.
2) Mike Green, Marshall Thundering Herd
The Browns are a team who have plenty of needs and could potentially trade back in this draft picking up more draft capital to address more of the holes on their roster.
If that happens, they should look to target Mike Green, who I think is the second-best EDGE prospect in this class. Green was the most productive EDGE in college football last season, racking up 17 sacks for the Green Herd.
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He proved he could play against top-tier talent at the senior bowl, as he was clearly the best player on the field.
In an ideal scenario, the Browns could trade back and pick up Green to replace Garrett and gain more draft picks.
3) Mykel Williams, Georgia Bulldogs
If the Browns were to take Mykel Williams, it would be through a trade-down as well.
Mykel Williams wasn’t nearly as productive as Green or Carter were in college, but his ceiling is just as high. He is a freak athlete, and if he can be developed correctly, the sky’s the limit for him (think Travon Walker from 2022).
Again, this would most likely be through a trade-down, but if the Browns were able to gain draft capital and take Williams, I see that as a home-run replacement for Garrett.
4) James Pearce, Tennessee Volunteers
There is some mixed news about James Pearce’s draft stock, and there is a real chance he could be available in the second round.
Pearce is as productive as anyone has been in college football, sacking the QB 19.5 times in his three seasons with the Vols. The problem that NFL GMs have with Pearce is his size as he only weighs 243 pounds, which is very light for an NFL pass rusher. Aside from the size concerns, Pearce has all the talent in the world.
If the Browns decide to address another need in the first round (like QB), Pearce in the second round would be a slam dunk for them to replace Garrett.
5) Jack Sawyer, Ohio State Buckeyes
The Browns picking Jack Sawyer in the second round would be poetic. The Ohio State legend staying in-state to play for the Browns would not only be an awesome story but a great selection to fill the hole that Myles Garrett will leave.
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Sawyer isn’t as athletic as the prospects mentioned above but is more technically sound. In his four years at Ohio State, Sawyer had 24 sacks and nine in his senior year. Sawyer has a large pack of pass-rush moves and a very good situational pass-rush plan. He’s got great play strength and good speed to power off the edge.
Again, in this scenario, the Browns would’ve addressed another position with their first-round pick and are able to get Sawyer at the top of the second round.
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