‘I expect Miles on our team this year, next year, the year after that, and so on. He’s a part of the present, he’s a part of the future.’
INDIANAPOLIS — Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski took the podium Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, and much like GM Andrew Berry’s remarks the day before, Stefanski made it clear that he wants All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett to remain in Cleveland.
“I think the world of Myles,” Stefanski said when asked about Garrett’s trade request. “I understand the business of football and I understand these things happen from time to time, but I expect Miles on our team this year, next year, the year after that, and so on. He’s a part of the present, he’s a part of the future.”
On Feb. 3, Garrett released a statement saying while he’s “loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns.”
On Wednesday, Stefanski said his goal was similar to Garrett’s.
“I also want to win. I also want to win a championship,” he stated. “That’s just how we’re wired and we’re working very hard towards that goal.”
During his meeting with reporters on Tuesday, Berry indicated the Browns have no plans to deal Garrett away.
“He’s (Garrett) a huge part of our organization. He’s a really good person, an awesome player. Our stance has not changed. We can’t imagine a situation where not having Myles as part of the organization is best for the Browns,” Berry said.
‘SPEED DATING’
Stefanski spent most of his time with reporters answering questions about NFL Draft prospects, specifically at quarterback as the Browns seek to finally find a long-term solution under center.
Could that franchise quarterback be found with the No. 2 overall pick? Stefanski indicated that he had spent time with several players over the past two days, saying that there was “a lot of speed dating going on.”
Here are some of the impressions that Stefanski shared after speaking to prospects during his “speed dates”:
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
“Shadeur is a very, very impressive young man. He was raised the right way, obviously he’s a heck of a football player. That’s evident off the tape, but really impressed with the person.”
Cam Ward, Miami
“Very, very impressed with Cam as well. Just his career, where he’s been, is a unique path, but (he) knows football really well. I was very impressed with his meeting in terms of recall going back to his Washington State days and how he saw defense, how he progressed, how his processing worked, he kind of could talk through all that. I was very impressed with the young man.”
Jalen Milroe, Alabama
“Did a nice job. You know, (new Browns offensive coordinator) Tommy Rees was with Jalen at Alabama, so (he) spent a year with him. He (Rees) explained to me what type of person he (Milroe) is and he was great. Great personality, fun to watch him talk though their plays. He’s a very competitive kid. He did a nice job.”
Stefanski was also asked what qualities he looks for when evaluating a quarterback.
“Decision-making obviously is very high on the list, whether it’s 1-2-3, accuracy being very important as well. Decision-making and processing. I think every single play as a quarterback, you’re doing something. Whether it’s a run check, or a motion, a decision that you’re making based on a safety’s depth. All those type of things factor in the decision-making,” he explained.