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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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Jamal Adams, NFL , New York Jets
MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 03: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 03, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

5. Jamal Adams, S, New York Jets

Whether or not Jamal Adams is still a member of the New York Jets in 2020 remains up in the air. The star safety has expressed his desire to either receive a new contract from the team, or he would like to be traded. His preferred destination appears to be the Dallas Cowboys.

Well, regardless of which team he is on, Adams is another young, budding superstar who you should watch this upcoming season. Without going over the top, it is well within reason to think he has become one of, if not the best safety in the NFL.

Each year Adams has been in the league, he has shown progression. Last season marked his third year, and he took off under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

Proven to be one of the most active safeties around the line of scrimmage in the NFL, Adams ripped of 6.5 sacks with 75 combined tackles and one interception in 14 games. He was named to the Pro Bowl and was also an All-Pro.

You could argue that Fitzpatrick should be a higher priority for your attention this season, but here is why Adams ranks above him. Adams has constantly played on bad football teams without much talent around him. Yes, the defenses he has played on have at times been slightly formidable, but the offenses are so non-existent that it negates how well the defense plays.

The Jets are not in a salary cap position to pay Adams top dollar right now. At the same time, the team would be even worse without him. Letting such a versatile player go would not be wise.

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