Cleveland Browns Cornerback Ryan Fowler Emerges as Overnight Sensation; Pass Rush Dominated by Garrett and Smith.

Cleveland Browns Cornerback Ryan Fowler Emerges as Overnight Sensation; Pass Rush Dominated by Garrett and Smith.

 

CLEVELAND — In a preseason filled with bold statements and breakout performances, two names tower among pass‑rushers—Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith. Yet, it’s cornerback Ryan Fowler, the Browns’ surprising new addition, who has become an unexpected star in the secondary.

Fowler: The Dark Horse in the Secondary

While not yet officially listed on the Browns’ roster, Fowler has dazzled coaches and analysts alike with his physical coverage style and instinctive playmaking. Reports from training camp describe him as the “most improved cornerback” likely to crack the 53-man roster—a bold claim, given the depth of Cleveland’s secondary. Martin Emerson Jr. has already laid claim to that distinction, seizing every season‑opening bump with consistency and aggression .

If the hype around Fowler pans out—and the buzz is real—he could find himself fitting seamlessly alongside veterans like Denzel Ward, Emerson, and safeties Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit, all of whom have made significant preseason contributions .

The Best: Garrett and Smith Double Down

As expected, the Browns’ pass rush continues to be a dominant force. Myles Garrett, the unquestioned leader of Cleveland’s defensive front, has again looked electric in preseason work, routinely overpowering offensive lines and flashing the ferocity that earned him Defensive MVP honors last season .

Adding to that pressure is Za’Darius Smith, whose return from injury has injected renewed energy into the unit. The Smith‑Garrett pairing has repeatedly disrupted quarterbacks in practice and preseason games—forming a formidable one‑two punch at the edge .

Pass Rush Grades: Real Numbers, Real Impact

While PFF’s full preseason grades for the Browns aren’t publicly available yet, one can look to broader league metrics for context. Among all edge defenders in the 2023 preseason, Denico Autry posted an eye‑popping 97.8 overall grade, while Nick Herbig’s 92.5 stood out as a notable surprise . While these aren’t Browns players, they set a high bar—one that Garrett and Smith seem more than capable of clearing once the regular season begins.

Final Word: A Combo to Watch

At 500 words, the bottom line is this: For Cleveland, it’s business as usual up front—Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith remain the highest‑graded pass rushers of the preseason, exerting relentless pressure and establishing themselves as defensive leaders. Meanwhile, the narrative to watch is Ryan Fowler—the potential breakout cornerback whose camp performance, if consistent, might turn him from a sleeper into the Browns’ most intriguing defender outside the defensive line.

Stay tuned as training camp heats up—if Fowler’s preseason heroics continue, he could become one of Cleveland’s most compelling preseason storylines this summer.