Myles Garrett: A Dominant Force Among the NFL’s Most Feared Players

Myles Garrett may have yet to set foot on the field for the Los Angeles Rams in a crucial game, but his reputation alone strikes fear across the league. Despite not playing a single down for his new team, Garrett’s imposing presence has NFL fans on edge.

In a recent survey conducted by BetMGM Sportsbook, Garrett was named the third-most intimidating player in the entire NFL as the 2026 season approaches. His status as a defensive powerhouse precedes him, making certain that offensive players are well aware of his capability.

The survey gathered opinions from 1,800 NFL enthusiasts nationwide, asking them to identify the player they fear the most. Garrett was ranked only behind Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Bills quarterback Josh Allen, both of whom are legendary in their own right.

Completing the top 10 list were players renowned for their game-changing abilities: Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ dynamic quarterback; Saquon Barkley, the powerhouse running back for the Eagles; Jalen Hurts, who leads the Eagles from the pocket; Aaron Rodgers, now a Steeler, who captivates with his veteran gameplay; Micah Parsons of the Packers, who dominates the defense as a linebacker; Travis Kelce, Kansas City’s unstoppable tight end; and the ever-cool Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Bengals.

The survey didn’t just capture fear but also admiration, ranking the most-coveted players in the league. Here, Garrett claimed the third spot once more, trailing only behind Mahomes and Allen. It seems that fear is often accompanied by a hearty portion of admiration and envy.

The polls’ findings have an obvious conclusion: If your team is playing against Garrett you fear, but for Rams fans, when he’s wearing your uniform, you’re happy he’s on your team. 

The Rams acquired the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award winner in a trade with the Browns that sent Jared Verse and three draft picks (including a first-round pick) to Cleveland. Garrett joined an already loaded defense full of young talent after LA came within one possession of reaching the Super Bowl last season. 

And if Garrett is the third-most feared player in the NFL, it’s safe to say that after their offseason arms race, the Rams would also be ranked as one of the most feared teams.

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BetMGM’s survey didn’t ask fans that specific question, but it asked which NFL team would be the toughest to beat ahead of the 2026 season, and sure enough, the Rams ranked No. 1 ahead of the Chiefs and Eagles. 

The Rams were also the fans’ top Super Bowl pick, with 11% of those surveyed backing LA to win the Super Bowl inside its own stadium in 2027.

Preseason surveys don’t win Lombardi trophies, of course, but neither do betting odds, power rankings or analyst expectations. 

Fear, however, can be a sign of respect, and before Garrett has even had a chance to show opposing quarterbacks his new uniform yet, the rest of the NFL already appears to understand what’s coming.

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