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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Tahir Whitehad has huge shoes to fill in Carolina. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

4. Tahir Whitehead

Whitehead is not going to cause anyone in Carolina to forget about Luke Keuchly. That’s rarified air for the Panthers. He can, however, give Matt Rhule and his coaching staff an above-average starter at the middle linebacker position.

Whitehead may not make enough sudden plays for some coaches, but he racks up a ton of tackles in the middle of his defense. He’s posted triple-digit sack totals in four consecutive seasons and he’s only missed one regular season game in that time span. That combination of productivity and availability will be appreciated by fans in Carolina.

The unfortunate reality for Whitehead is that he’s trying to fill the shoes of a legend. Kuechly’s career wasn’t lengthy, but it was brilliant. Whitehead can’t make enough amazing plays to live up to those standards.

The key for him will be to help the Panthers improve on their horrendous run defense from 2019. He simply needs to be a steady force for a team that needs quality pieces to emerge. He’s more than qualified for that role.

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