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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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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the Seattle Seahawks on September 15, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the Seattle Seahawks on September 15, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

6. T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers

As you can see, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a young core of high-potential prospects on the defense. Fitzpatrick was great at safety for the team in 2019, and they got a phenomenal season from T.J. Watt.

Like his brother, T.J. has developed into one of the most premier defensive players in the NFL. Unlike J.J, T.J. makes his living rushing off the edge from the outside linebacker spot.

Watt had a breakout season in 2018, his second year in the NFL. He was named to the Pro Bowl with 13.0 sacks and 21 quarterback hits. In 2019, he bested those numbers with 14.5 sacks and 36 quarterback hits, as he added an All-Pro selection to go along with this second Pro Bowl.

Unfairly, the former first-round pick was probably not given his due right away because of who his brother is. But, now, T.J. has made a name for himself, and with another year like his past two seasons, he can join his brother within that upper echelon of defensive players in the NFL.

Almost every great Steelers team has been known and identified by an assertive defense. With the combination of Watt and Fitzpatrick, as well as others on that defense, the Steelers can build the next era of greatness behind this group.

Also, how cool would it be to see Watt win a Defensive Player of the Year like his brother, J.K.? That is something you will want to tune in for.

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