Predicting NFL Stat Leaders for the 2020 Season: Defense

To read the projected stat leaders on offense, click here

Sacks- Myles Garrett

 2019 Leader: Shaquille Barrett (19.5)

Myles Garrett has recorded 24.5 sacks in his past 22 games (image via bleacherreport.com)

Garrett found himself right among the league leaders in sacks in 2019 through ten weeks, however his season was cut early due to his infamous helmet-swing debacle. Expect an even more focused and driven player going into 2020, as the number one overall pick is the best athlete at the defensive end position. Garrett has easily eclipsed double digit sacks since his second year in the league and is due for another breakout season. Being the only above average pass rusher for Cleveland, he will be relied on heavy, and Garrett has all the talent to not only excel in that role but break the 20 sack threshold.

Interceptions- Minkah Fitzpatrick

2019 Leader: (Tie) Tre’Davious White, Anthony Harris and Stephon Gilmore (6)

Minkah Fitzpatrick was named to his first all-pro team in 2019 (image via nytimes.com)

One of the breakout players of last season, Minkah Fitzpatrick has emerged as one of the most skilled safeties in the NFL and possibly the best defensive playmaker in the sport. In 14 games with Pittsburgh last season, Fitzpatrick intercepted five passes and scored two touchdowns, including two interceptions against his former team Miami Dolphins during Monday night football. Going into 2020, expectations are for the Steelers to make a playoff run in the AFC with their elite defense and the return of hall-of-fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from injury, and it will take players such as Minkah Fitzpatrick to continue their elite play to make a run at an AFC championship.

Tackles- Bobby Wagner

2019 Leader: Bobby Wagner (159)

Bobby Wagner has been at least in the top 2 in tackles the previous two seasons (image via seattletimes.com)

Heavily favored to repeat his first place finish in 2020, Bobby Wagner has established himself as a hall of fame middle linebacker in the NFL, The quarterback for Seattle’s defense, Wagner has no real weaknesses, and breaking a tackle from the all-pro is borderline impossible. Joining Wagner on the defense is all-pro safety Jamal Adams, whose playmaking ability will give Wagner even more free range to make plays across the entire field and expand on his tackling numbers from a year ago. Overall, Bobby Wagner is undisputedly the best linebacker in football and should have no real competition for the tackle crown in 2020.

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