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10 defensive players to watch in 2020

By William Schneiderhan

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore runs during the third quarter. The New England Patriots play the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore runs during the third quarter. The New England Patriots play the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 22: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts to a broken pass play during the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 22: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts to a broken pass play during the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Here are 10 players to watch on defense during the 2020 NFL season. 

Today’s NFL is geared towards offense and the superstars on that side of the ball. Rules make it hard for defensive players to consistently make plays and steal that spotlight.

Although, there are still those defensive players who demand your attention and make plays despite the restrictive rules they must follow.

No, this is not a power ranking of the 10 best defensive players in the NFL. This list is directed towards highlighting such players, but more focused on those who you should watch if, and when, the 2020 NFL season is played.

Top 10 NFL defensive players to watch in 2020

10. Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers

During his rookie season, Derwin James flashed his potential as one of the more versatile defenders in the NFL. Selected with the 17th pick out of FSU, he made quite the impact as an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in his first season.

Last year, James only played five games after missing most of the season due to right foot surgery. The Chargers missed his presence on defense, and the NFL went without one of the league’s brightest young players for the majority of the year.

James is slated to be back this year, and he is a dynamic defender to watch. It is rather hard not to notice his number 33 jersey flying around the field when you tune into a Chargers game.

The NFL has seen a transition in how the safety position is played and used. James fits right into that new modernized mold. He can make plays close to the line of scrimmage and jump passes in coverage. During his rookie year, he had three interceptions with 105 combined tackles and 3.5 sacks in 16 games.

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