10 most underrated defensive players heading into 2020

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive End Maxx Crosby #98 of the Oakland Raiders rushes the Quarterback against the New York Jets in the first half in the rain at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images). /

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Jason Pierre-Paul is still a quality edge rusher. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

9. Jason Pierre-Paul

Fans seem to have forgotten about how good Piere-Paul can be after he lost part of his right index fire due to a fireworks injury in 2015. Moving to Tampa Bay didn’t earn him any additional viewers, but he’s quietly been very productive as a Buccaneer.

Of course, Pierre-Paul is going to get plenty of chances to excel on the national stage this year. The arrival of Tom Brady has expectations sky-high in Tampa Bay. That means the Buccaneers’ defense will receive plenty of air time on national broadcasts.

Pierre-Paul only played 10 games last season after recovering from offseason neck surgery, but he still managed to notch 8.5 sacks. It might be unrealistic to expect him to hold up that stellar pace for a full 16-game slate, but it’s not impossible. Any edge rusher that can flirt with 15 sacks deserves a ton of praise.

The 31-year-old veteran may not be the most complete edge rusher in the game, but he can still get to the quarterback at an impressive clip. Plenty of teams around the league would be more than happy to hand Pierre-Paul a starting position this season.

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