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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HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 06: Bradley Roby #21 of the Houston Texans in action in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

3. Bradley Roby

Roby may never live up to the hype that followed him after his time at Ohio State, but he’s worked his way into becoming a very solid cornerback at this stage of his career. Bill O’Brien hasn’t made a ton of smart personnel decisions with the Texans, but locking Roby up does serve as a mark in his favor.

Some of the reasons that Roby avoids positive attention is the fact that his best work comes in the slot. Smart NFL teams understand that’s a vital position against the majority of offenses in the NFL. Roby has the size and speed required to match-up against the diverse group of wideouts that he’s required to face at that spot.

His versatility gives the Texans defense a massive boost on a regular basis. It would be nice if he could come up with more interceptions (his career-high is 2), but his ability to hold up in man and zone is another boost for his value.

Add it all up and Roby is a cornerback who is above average at almost everything he’s asked to do. That doesn’t make him a star, but it does make him a quality starter. The Texans are lucky to have him on such a team-friendly contract.

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