Myles Garrett becoming the new normal for Rams

LOS ANGELES — As the Rams took the field for their last week of OTAs on Monday, the newest member of the organization walked out with his helmet in his left hand, pointing at new teammates with his right, his trademark white and black sweatband around his forehead. It was a slow leisurely pace that did not betray the speed with which he would navigate positional drills a few minutes later.

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Myles Garrett might not have been a frequent participant during this optional portion of the calendar as a member of the Cleveland Browns, but the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has been on the field the past few days for the Rams as they near the end of the spring.

“More importantly than anything, just getting used to his teammates, just getting familiar with the building, all those types of things,” head coach Sean McVay said. “It’s been good having him around so that he can get kind of comfortable with who he’s dealing with, and most importantly, get to know his teammates.”

It’s been just a week since the stunning trade that netted the Rams one of the league’s premier defensive players in exchange for three draft picks and Pro Bowl edge rusher Jared Verse. Garrett’s new teammates found out in a last-second team meeting, the second of the day, which raised some eyebrows.

When it came time to deliver the news, McVay allowed Verse to address the room himself.

“Right before it all happened, Verse was giving me ideas for when my nephews come out to town this year and what we can do,” defensive tackle Kobie Turner said. “What a man to be able to come into that room. And then second of all, to just feel the outpouring. I mean, that’s our brother.”

While there were some mixed emotions, there was also an understanding of what a trade of that magnitude signals from the front office, especially after the earlier additions of cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

“I think the biggest thing is that this organization really trusts and is buying in to this year,” safety Quentin Lake said. “Luckily, we got arguably the best defensive player in the in the NFL and he’s done a great job. We’re not asking Myles to do anything just but to just be himself.”

During Monday’s OTA, Garrett worked out with the outside linebackers. He participated in individual drills, then watched from the sidelines during 11-on-11s.

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Garrett has spent his entire career as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense, whereas the Rams have played in a 3-4 scheme during the McVay era with two outside linebackers lining up at the line of scrimmage. But defensive coordinator Chris Shula said Garrett doesn’t change the way he thinks about the Rams’ defense structurally.

“We’re still going to have our principles,” Shula said. “We’re going to let him do what he does best and we all know exactly what he does best. You’re not going to take Michael Jordan or LeBron, you know, all those guys and pull them out of their comfort zone. We’re going to work with him and put him in the best spots for him and the defense to succeed.”

The one question lingering after the Garrett trade was whether or not his addition would lure Rams great Aaron Donald, 35, out of retirement for one last ride. Donald – who retired at 33 following the 2023 season – has done little to put out speculation, texting with some national media members about gauging whether or not he still has the “fire” to come back.

For their part, Rams players and coaches haven’t shut the door on the possibility. McVay said last week that he thinks Donald could still play at a pretty high clip, with Garrett nodding alongside him at the podium. Some players such as wide receiver Davante Adams have tagged Donald on Instagram stories, making what appear to be recruiting pitches.

And why not? Garrett commands two to three blockers per play, much as Donald did during his career. Both on the same team would force some difficult decisions for opposing offenses, especially with Turner, Byron Young and Braden Fiske rounding out the pass rush.

“Hey Aaron, you know, if you’re listening to this, man, we are more than glad to have you. You’d be a great addition,” Lake joked. “Enjoy retirement for now, but you know that door is always open.”

“That would be crazy. … I know he’s been messing around with it,” Turner added. “He’s found a lot of it in his business ventures, but obviously having 95 out here that that does some things. So, who knows?”

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