Beyond Myles: How Browns Built a Defensive Line to Finally Complement Their Superstar

The $123.5 million question surrounding Cleveland's defense has been answered.

Myles Garrett, who demanded a trade just months ago, is now locked up through 2030 and leading a defensive line overhaul that has the Browns convinced they can finally generate consistent pressure in 2025.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz isn't mincing words about what he expects from his star pass rusher. "I really think Myles is going to have the best season of his career and has to," Schwartz said. "With great power comes great responsibility."

That responsibility comes with good reason. Despite facing a league-high rate of double teams and chip blocks in 2024, Garrett still managed 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and 84 quarterback hits while becoming just the fourth-fastest player in NFL history to reach 100 career sacks. His 102.5 career sacks since 2017 trail only T.J. Watt among active players, cementing his status as the Browns' most valuable defensive asset.

While Garrett commands the spotlight, the Browns have strengthened their supporting cast. The interior of the defensive line received a significant boost with first-round draft pick Mason Graham, the Michigan standout who was the highest-graded interior run defender in college football last season with a 92.6 PFF grade. Graham brings immediate impact potential to the defensive tackle position and should provide the interior pass rush that has been missing from Cleveland's defense.

The Browns also signed multiple players to help fill their defensive line, including DT Maliek Collins and DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. These additions provide depth and experience to complement Garrett's elite production. The Browns await the return of DT Mike Hall Jr., who sustained an injury, adding another layer of talent when healthy.

The six-time Pro Bowler and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year has been named PFF's top edge defender for 2025, marking three consecutive years at the summit. But individual accolades won't satisfy Garrett or the organization that just invested heavily in keeping him in Cleveland.

Surrounding Garrett, the Browns have made strategic moves to maximize their defensive line's potential. The addition of assistant defensive line coach Adam Morris provides additional expertise alongside veteran coach Jacques Cesaire, creating a deeper coaching infrastructure focused on pass rush development.

Since signing the new deal, Garrett has been committed to making the Browns a winning team and personally plans to have his "best" season. Early reports from mandatory minicamp suggest Garrett is fully bought into the process, with visible communication and relationship-building evident during practice sessions.

General Manager Andrew Berry has continued building talent and depth around Garrett, recognizing that the defensive line should serve as the team's strength in 2025. The unit's success will largely determine whether Cleveland can bounce back from last season's disappointment.

The tactical challenge remains significant. Opposing offenses will continue deploying center slides, triple teams, and creative blocking schemes designed specifically to neutralize Garrett's impact. Schwartz acknowledges this reality while emphasizing the need for complementary players to capitalize when offenses overcommit to stopping their star rusher.

With improved interior pressure from Graham and additional depth, the Browns aim to create a defensive line capable of forcing offenses to adjust. Double-teaming Myles Garrett is expected to open opportunities for other players, while attention to the supporting cast should provide Garrett with more favorable one-on-one matchups.

As training camp approaches, Schwartz has established clear expectations for the defensive line's role in Cleveland's 2025 campaign. "The way you affect the game the most in this league is through pass rush," Schwartz said. "We're going to put a lot of emphasis on pass rush. We'll set the bar high at the position."