Draft 2021 – Pick #9: Chris Garrett, EDGE, Concordia-St.Paul

Player Bio
In 2019, Garrett was a Cliff Harris Award finalist (small college defensive player of the year), first-team Associated Press All-American and Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Defensive Player of the Year after tying for the Division II lead with 14 sacks (among 69 tackles, 20.5 for loss) and seven forced fumbles, while also breaking up five passes in 11 games (10 starts). The Milwaukee native had excelled as a sophomore, as well, receiving first-team Associated Press All-American and team MVP honors, ranking fourth in Division II with 19 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks (while also racking up 53 total tackles and three forced fumbles). He immediately displayed his potential as a true freshman in 2017, starting five of seven contests played and recording 44 tackles, nine for loss with six sacks, while forcing five fumbles on the year. The school did not play in the fall of 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. — by Chad Reuter

Analysis
Draft Projection
Priority free agent
Overview

Raw but highly productive edge who could be targeted as a designated pass rusher by 3-4 defenses. Garrett’s approach was fairly simple at Concordia, as he used his get-off and athletic ability to simply work around less-talented tackles on the Division II level. Even so, he put some major marks in just about every impact category — and his processing and instincts to find rush counters is something to build upon. He’s tight-hipped and plays too tall to bend edges on the next level, so he’ll need to fine-tune his hands and his rush plan. His narrow waist and below-average limb thickness might mean he will struggle to hold desired NFL weight on his frame. While he can chase and pursue, he’s not strong enough to handle life at the point of attack at this juncture. He’s a potential practice-squad candidate early on.

Strengths
  • Insane college production over just three seasons.
  • Finished with 48.5 tackles for loss, 36.5 sacks and 15 forced fumbles.
  • Uses basketball footwork to scoot around edges.
  • Cat-quick outside jab to inside counter.
  • Natural instincts for sudden counters against oversetting tackles.
  • Goes hunting for strip-sacks once he gets corner turned.
  • Inside slants are a lot for blockers to handle.
  • Rangy chasing runners to the sideline.
Weaknesses
  • Far superior athlete than competition he faced.
  • Frame is thin and relatively narrow.
  • Will get bulldozed off the point by NFL tackles.
  • Lacks play strength to unhinge from blocks.
  • Must learn to control blocking tight ends.
  • Hip tightness limits bend at the top of the rush.
  • Face-up rushing attack is there for blocker to punch.
  • Rush is upright and lacking quality hand work.
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

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