Browns Highest Graded Player, Biggest Surprise According to PFF

A look at the great season that Myles Garrett had, as well as a surprise player for the Cleveland Browns.

Author:
Brandon Little
Publish date:
Jan 13, 2023 4:53 PM EST

In this story:

Cleveland Browns finished 7-10 on the season, it likely would have been worse if they did not have one of the best players in football, Myles Garrett. Garrett is the Browns top graded player for the 2022 season according to Pro Football Focus, while they called Martin Emerson Jr. the team's biggest surprise.

It is hard to argue on either account. Garrett made a bad defense serviceable at times with his second straight season of at least 16 sacks. This is what PFF had to say about Garrett: Garrett once again finished as the NFL's highest-graded edge rusher, posting a 93.5 pass-rush grade. He finished fifth in pressures (73) but was tied for the lead in sacks (18). Garrett is still the NFL's best pure pass rusher, and that isn't changing anytime soon.

Emerson was a third-round pick for the Browns which happened to be their first of the 2022 NFL Draft. The young bright cornerback far passed expectations with his ability to mirror wide receivers throughout their routes. Emerson did not pick off a pass, but he had double-digit pass breakups and was Cleveland's best defensive back for much of the season.

This is what PFF had to say: The 2022 NFL Draft produced several cornerbacks who played well this season, including Sauce Gardner, Tariq Woolen and DaRon Bland. But don’t forget about Emerson, who graded out as the No. 27 cornerback on the season. Despite not recording an interception this season, Emerson allowed just an 85.6 passer rating. Opponents completed only 53.9% of their targets when throwing at Emerson in 2022.

Both players are an important part of the Browns' defense. Both players will be impact players in the future that should be exciting to coach for any future defensive coordinator.

Subscribe to Browns Digest on YouTube here to show your support.

Like Browns Digest on Facebook

Brandon Little is a writer for Sports Illustrated’s Browns Digest website and you can follow him on Twitter @BrandonLittleFB here. You can follow Browns Digest on Twitter here.

Be sure to bookmark Browns Digest for everything you need Browns … Browns Digest brings you news, analysis, film work, draft coverage, and more.

Browns DE Myles Garrett, LG Joel Bitonio Make NFLPA All-Pro Team

Watch: Odell Beckham Jr. Argues With Passenger as he is Booted off Plane

What are the Needs on the Browns Defense?

Deshaun Watson has Some Legal Issues to Deal With as Browns Season Comes to... an End

Cleveland Browns Finish at an Interesting Spot in These Power Rankings

Browns Could Look to Acquire Former Teammates of Deshaun Watson for Offensive Help

Cleveland Browns Rookie CB Martin Emerson Jr. Named to Pro Football Journal's All-Rookie Team

Former Browns RB Peyton Hillis Remains in Critical Condition After Rescue

Browns Sign 10 to Futures/Reserves Contracts

Two Potential Names to Watch for Browns Defensive Coordinator job

Cleveland Browns Fire DC Joe Woods Following 2022 Showing