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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Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates with outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) after sacking Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, December 23, 2018. (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

5. Anthony Barr

Barr has always been a tough player for people to evaluate. He plays the majority of his snaps as an outside linebacker but he rarely rushes the passer. The veteran linebacker makes more solid plays than standout ones for Minnesota’s defense.

His lack of explosion has caused him to become criminally underrated by NFL observers. The Vikings understand how important he is to their defense, but no one else seems to get it.

If Barr played his football in a bigger market he would get more credit for the good work he does for his defense. His versatility gives his teammates the opportunity to roam free and make big plays. Not every team is lucky enough to have such a steady presence in their linebacking corps.

Barr will never be considered as one of the top linebackers in the league, but he deserves to be in the very next tier. He’s a solidly above-average starter who always finds himself in the right position to make plays. It’s hard to find a team in the NFL that he wouldn’t start for in 2020.

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