The 2021 season didn’t end up the way the Cleveland Browns hoped, but several Browns players still turned in impressive years. Two Browns, EDGE Myles Garrett and offensive lineman Joel Bitonio, wound up very near the top of the league in Pro Football Focus’ top 101 players of the season rankings.
Garrett made his debut in the top 10 overall players regardless of position. His overall grade of 92.0 places Garrett in seventh overall. It’s his consistent dominance as a pass rusher that elevates Garrett,
Only Micah Parsons — who rushed the passer 217 fewer times — posted a better PFF pass-rushing grade than Garrett this season. Garrett finally put together a full season of elite-level play and was a constant problem for opposing offensive tackles. Even players who were otherwise good over the season — such as Bears left tackle Jason Peters — had no answer for Garrett’s skill set.
Garrett ranked 43rd in the 2020 season. It was a similar rise up for left guard Bitonio in 2021.
Bitonio checks in at No. 11 overall for 2021, moving on up from 46th in 2020. PFF noted that Bitonio, “had a career year in what has been an already impressive career. He allowed 17 pressures in 17 games and recorded, by far, the best PFF run-blocking grade (92.5) of his career.”
Two other Browns players also made the top 101 list. Running back Nick Chubb comes in at No. 36 and center JC Tretter is 89th.
