Myles Garrett: Dominant DE – RE Or LE?

Oct 23, 2025 by Faj Lennon 39 views

$Myles Garrett: Dominant DE – RE or LE?\n\nAlright, guys, let's dive deep into one of the most electrifying defensive players in the NFL today: ***Myles Garrett***. This dude is an absolute force of nature, a game-wrecker who can single-handedly change the momentum of a game. But a question that often pops up among fans and analysts alike is about his exact *position*: is Myles Garrett primarily a _Right End (RE)_ or a _Left End (LE)_? It's a great question because, honestly, when you watch him play, he seems to be everywhere, making incredible plays from all over the defensive line. We're talking about a player who consistently leads the league in pressures, sacks, and overall disruption, so understanding how he's deployed on the field is crucial to appreciating his genius. The Cleveland Browns have struck gold with Garrett, making him the cornerstone of their defense since drafting him first overall in 2017. His combination of superhuman strength, lightning-fast speed, and an array of pass-rush moves makes him a nightmare for any offensive tackle in the league, regardless of which side they line up on. This article isn't just about labeling him; it's about exploring the *versatility* that makes him so special, the strategic reasons behind his deployment, and ultimately, why his sheer dominance often transcends the simple labels of RE or LE. We'll break down what these positions mean, how Garrett fits into the modern NFL defensive scheme, and why the question itself highlights his unique impact on the game. So, buckle up as we dissect the formidable presence that is Myles Garrett and explore how his positional prowess contributes to his undeniable status as one of the league's truly elite defenders.\n\n## Unpacking Myles Garrett's Positional Prowess\n\n### The Art of the Defensive End: What Does RE and LE Mean?\n\nWhen we talk about defensive ends, particularly in a traditional 4-3 defense, the terms ***Right End (RE)*** and ***Left End (LE)*** aren't just arbitrary labels; they denote specific alignments and often slightly different responsibilities that leverage a player's skill set against the opposing offensive line. Guys, understanding this distinction is key to appreciating how a player like Myles Garrett can truly dominate. A *Right End (RE)* typically lines up on the right side of the defense, which means they're often facing the opponent's *Left Tackle (LT)*. Historically, the left tackle has been considered the premier pass protector on most offensive lines, as they're responsible for protecting the quarterback's blind side (for right-handed QBs). This often means an RE needs to be incredibly skilled at pass-rushing, often with a blend of power and technique, to get past these elite blockers. Conversely, a *Left End (LE)* lines up on the left side of the defense, usually going up against the opponent's *Right Tackle (RT)*. While the RT is still a critical position, they sometimes don't face the same level of consistent, elite pass-rushing threat as the LT, though this has evolved significantly in the modern game where both tackles are expected to be excellent. The LE might sometimes be tasked with more emphasis on containing the run on their side or using their speed to turn the corner against slightly less agile blockers. However, it's crucial to remember that these are general tendencies, and modern defensive schemes, especially those employing versatile players like Garrett, blur these lines constantly. The *goal* for both ends is the same: pressure the quarterback, set the edge against the run, and disrupt the offense. The attributes needed for an elite defensive end, regardless of side, include explosive get-off, superior hand usage, a diverse array of pass-rush moves (swipes, rips, spins, bull rushes), incredible bend around the edge, and the functional strength to shed blocks in the run game. For a player like Myles Garrett, who possesses all these traits in spades, the distinction becomes less about a fixed role and more about strategic deployment to create mismatches. He's not just a good RE or a good LE; he's an *elite defensive end* who can perform at an incredibly high level from anywhere on the line, making him invaluable to his team's defensive coordinator and a constant threat to opposing offenses.\n\n### Myles Garrett's Journey: From College Star to NFL Force\n\nMyles Garrett's path to becoming one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL is a story of incredible talent, relentless hard work, and a consistent drive for dominance. Before he was wrecking offensive lines on Sundays for the Browns, Garrett was absolutely *torching* opponents in college at ***Texas A&M***. From the moment he stepped onto the field as a true freshman, it was clear this guy was different. He showcased a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism that made him an immediate standout. His collegiate career was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by numerous jaw-dropping plays that frequently landed him on highlight reels. Throughout his time in College Station, Garrett consistently demonstrated his ability to be a disruptive force from *both* the right and left defensive end spots, proving his versatility early on. He terrorized quarterbacks, blowing past offensive linemen with a combination of raw power and refined technique, racking up impressive sack numbers and tackles for loss. His performances made him a consensus All-American and put him firmly on the radar as a top prospect for the NFL Draft. When the 2017 NFL Draft rolled around, there was little debate about who the Cleveland Browns should take with the *first overall pick*. Myles Garrett was widely considered the most talented player in the class, a generational talent who could anchor a defense for years to come. His draft profile was glowing, emphasizing his elite physical tools, his high motor, and his potential to be a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. The expectations were sky-high, and honestly, he's exceeded them. From his very first snap in the NFL, Garrett showcased the raw power and explosive athleticism that made him such a coveted prospect. He quickly established himself as a dominant presence, even as a rookie, consistently getting into the backfield and pressuring quarterbacks. The Browns wasted no time in utilizing his unique skill set, moving him around the defensive line to exploit matchups, but often having him start as a primary defensive end, demonstrating that his versatility wasn't just a college luxury but an NFL necessity. His early career quickly confirmed what everyone already knew: Myles Garrett was not just a promising player; he was a *defensive force* in the making, destined for greatness and setting the stage for his current era of unprecedented dominance. His journey is a testament to natural gifts amplified by an unyielding commitment to his craft, transforming him from a college sensation into an undisputed NFL superstar.\n\n## The Versatility Factor: Why Myles Garrett Excels on Either Side\n\n### Analyzing Garrett's Skill Set: A Match for Any Edge\n\nLet's be real, guys, what makes Myles Garrett truly special isn't just one thing; it's the incredible *combination* of physical gifts and refined technique that allows him to dominate from *any* edge position. When you break down his skill set, it's like a defensive coordinator's dream come true. First, let's talk about his ***physical attributes***: he’s got the perfect blend of size, speed, and strength. Standing at 6'4$