Some believe the Steelers-Browns rivalry has long been dormant, thanks to the former being the league’s premier franchise and the latter being, well, the exact opposite of that.
But Cleveland, by most accounts, did the smart thing Thursday night by taking the best pure player with the first overall pick in the NFL draft. That would be Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett, who already has not-retiring Ben Roethlisberger in his 6-foot-4, 272-pound cross-hairs.
After pulling on his Browns hat for the first time, Garrett was asked in an interview which quarterback he’s most looking forward to getting after. The biggest of Benjamins was his answer.
Myles Garrett says he's most looking forward to taking on Big Ben within the division. I'm sure the feeling is mutual
— Liz Bloom (@BloomPG) April 28, 2017
“See you 9/10 big fella,” came the immediate reply tweet from Marcus Gilbert, the Steelers right tackle who might be tasked with keeping the freakishly athletic Garrett at bay that day in Cleveland.
See you 9/10 big fella
— Marcus Gilbert (@MarcusGilbert88) April 28, 2017
Gilbert then followed up with, “You'll get your shot pup” — with a dog emoji, for good measure.
You'll get your shot pup 🐶
— Marcus Gilbert (@MarcusGilbert88) April 28, 2017
Obviously, Gilbert’s protection of his quarterback extends beyond Sunday and Monday night. But to be fair, that Sept. 10 matchup with the Browns is the season opener, so maybe Garrett was just being practical about things.
In fact, one Twitter user was way ahead of this story. Eleven days ahead, even.
Bold prediction: Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett ends Ben Roethlisberger's career
— Jacob Franco (@jacobfranco704) April 16, 2017
Barring a trade, the Steelers don’t pick until No. 30, when they might select a menacing pass-rusher of their own to bring down [insert Browns quarterback here].
We’re also chatting live about the draft right here, so feel free to chime in yourself on any player, pick or team.
This story will be updated if any other Steelers — offensive linemen or otherwise — take this opportunity to chastise Garrett and/or remind him that the Browns have been very bad for a very long time.
Brian Batko: bbatko@post-gazette.com and Twitter @BrianBatko.
First Published: April 28, 2017, 1:05 a.m.
