NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates following a 48-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of their AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on January 10, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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The NFL has seen an injection of exciting young talent over the last decade. As offenses spread out, the priority to acquire massive bodies who win with power has shifted towards quicker, shiftier playmakers who create big plays. The NFL is more efficient now and the scoring rate has taken off as teams realize throwing the ball and maximizing space is advantageous.
The shift in thinking and priorities has led to more opportunities for non-traditional talents. We’ve compiled a list of the top 25 players in the NFL under the age of 25 years old. These recent stars are the current and future faces of the new-era.
Few 2021 rookies have been included since they’ve yet to prove themselves. And we used 25 as the cut-off since anyone 25 or over has generally had a full rookie contract to develop. Opening this list to a bigger cast of players would essentially just be a ranking of the top players in the league since Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen would be eligible.
Positional importance, career accolades, consistency, statistics, and the eye test all contributed to these rankings. It was difficult even paring this list down to 25. But these individuals have balled out to this point in their careers to justify high expectations for 2021 and beyond.
The stakes are obviously higher for quarterbacks than anyone else. But don’t let the five signal-callers in the top-25 overshadow the All-Pro-caliber players amongst the list. Producing at a high level at any position is impressive and exceedingly rare for anyone under the age of 25.
25.Mekhi Becton, T, Jets
Age: 22
There’s so many worthy players capable of landing 25th or higher, but I’d be remiss to not include Becton. The second-year tackle had dominant stretches in 2020, and figures to take a step as large as his wingspan after a full-year of development. It’s actually funny to see him swallow pass rushers into his massive frame.
He allowed seven penalties and seven sacks in 691 snaps played last year, per Pro Football Focus. Those are good numbers for a veteran, let alone a rookie. Some improvement in his technique and a more friendly system and surrounding set of blockers will help him ascend into the elite tier of blockers.
24.Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
Age: 21
The third rookie on our list is one of the most accomplished receivers we’ve seen in one season. The former LSU product went off as a 19-year-old in the SEC, producing 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns on 84 receptions from Burrow. He sat out 2020 and still was drafted fifth overall to be reunited with his college QB.
He then put up a phenomenal pro-day performance with a 4.38 40-yard dash and a 41” vertical. No one can doubt Chase’s athleticism. He’s proved his talent on the field and in the gym.
He’ll immediately boost the Bengals’ passing game. He can win on any route, and his chemistry with Burrow should pay off quickly. Watch for this offense to thrive with Chase becoming a star in quick order.
23.Jeremy Chinn, S, Panthers
Age: 23
2020 Stats: 1 INT, 5 PD, 2 FF
The third Panthers’ young star on our list is their 2020 second-rounder. Jeremy Chinn was a draft darling out of Southern Illinois thanks to impressive highlight reels. He parlayed the opportunity into being an immediate highlight reel in the NFL.
The versatile safety was all over the place and helped transform the unit. He proved to be a rare playmaker on the back-end of the secondary.
With 117 tackles, an interception, 2 forced fumbles, 1 defensive touchdowns, and 5 pass breakups, Chinn separated himself from his defensive peers. His fit into the defense changed the outlook of the Panthers’ defense. Few expected them to compete for a playoff spot but the Panthers held in the race for much of the season.
22.JK Dobbins, RB, Ravens
Age: 22
2020 Stats: 134 Att, 805 Yds, 9 TD
Adding a talented dual-threat running back to the best rushing quarterback of all-time was the right use of assets by Baltimore. Seeing JK Dobbins fall to the Ravens must’ve killed their AFC North rivals. Dobbins is an excellent creator even with defenders around him, and Lamar Jackson’s presence gives him an easier time dealing with less crowded backfields.
His first season featured just one start but Dobbins quickly established himself as the lead back. His 805 yards and 9 touchdowns sets him up to produce at an elite level in 2021. He has all the tools necessary to get there.
Dobbins is shifty with elite acceleration and agility. His power is underrated thanks to fantastic balance through contact. And the combination of playing in the right scheme with his traits combines to create a monster for defenses to stop.
21.Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons
Age: 20
The three top tight ends are locked into place right now. Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Darren Waller are in some order as the undisputed best receivers at tight end. But it’s possible the next-guy is rookie Kyle Pitts.
The dominant Florida playmaker redefined the position when he was taken fourth by the Atlanta Falcons in the recent draft. Pitts is a huge receiver playing tight end, boasting elite speed, catch radius, route-running, and hand strength at the catch point. He was the most dominant physical specimen in college last year.
His transition to the NFL could prove he’s a unicorn. Most tight ends take time to develop and produce because of the difference in the collegiate game and the pros. Pitts is in a great situation to put up impressive numbers early.
20.DJ Moore, WR, Panthers
Age: 24
2020 Stats: 66 Rec, 1,193 Yds, 4 TD
The career arc for DJ Moore has been quite interesting. He had a solid rookie season despite poor quarterback play, and has seen his role as a downfield target explode since then. Moore has developed from a YAC guy to a big-play threat.
His ability to evolve into a variety of offensive roles is a testament to Moore’s true talent. He’s accumulated 208 receptions for 3,156 yards and 10 scores in three seasons. He eclipsed 10 yards per target and a whopping 18.1 yards per reception in 2020.
The future is incredibly bright for Moore. He’s still not a great route-runner, and his pairing with Sam Darnold gives a new upside for the offense. We might still see the best is yet to come from Moore.
19.Devin White, LB, Buccaneers
Age: 23
2020 Stats: 9.0 SACK, 1 FF
Only two years into his career with Tampa Bay, linebacker Devin White has already amassed impressive accolades. The Super Bowl winner has racked up 231 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, and 2 touchdowns. His production as a now 23-year-old has set him on a unique path.
Playing next to the legendary Lavonte David has given White a great mentor and freedom to roam. White is incredibly fast and intimidating. Few second-level defenders are as quick to react to the ball and finish with such strength.
18.Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
Age: 21
The first 2021 rookie on our list is, of course, Trevor Lawrence. The new Jaguars passer had an electric career at Clemson. He has a terrific arm that allows him to make pinpoint throws from a muddied pocket or while on the run under pressure.
Lawrence has the upside to ascend to the top of this list fairly quickly. He’s so smart and able to adjust his game that it’s hard to imagine he’ll endure elongated rough patches without correcting the problem. The Jaguars have surrounded him with a quality cast of playmakers to help.
Though he wasn’t the most consistent short thrower in college, Lawrence’s preference for intermediate and chunk gains means he’ll create more explosive plays and a lower completion rate than some of his peers. The long-term upside is tremendous, though. Lawrence can become one of the faces of the league quickly.
17.Roquan Smith, LB, Bears
Age: 24
2020 Stats: 4.0 SACK, 2 INT, 1 FF
The Bears have built one of the most tenacious and well-rounded defenses in the league over the last few seasons. Their defensive line has big-bodies who can get after the passer and clog holes for linebackers to shoot through. And that has allowed Roquan Smith to develop into a star quickly since landing in Chicago in 2018.
The 24-year-old is already an accomplished second-level defender with a great reputation for reliability. With 361 total tackles, 253 solo tackles, 11.0 sacks, 14 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions, Smith is a do-it-all linebacker. He’s been a bit overshadowed because his team has been mediocre but no offense forgets about him on Sundays.
He’ll continue to emerge in the spotlight now that the Bears have Justin Fields as their quarterback. The public will see more of Smith and appreciate his ability to win one-on-one with blockers. His speed and hand usage allows him to slip off blockers with ease and finish plays without help.
16.Brian Burns, Edge, Panthers
Age: 23
2020 Stats: 9.0 SACK, 3 FF
One of the most entertaining special teams sequences in 2019 was seeing 6’5”, 250-pound edge-rusher cover punts as a gunner for the Panthers. While it was amazing to see such athleticism from the former first-rounder, it was stunning Ron Rivera refused to play him more on defense despite his obvious talent. The Panthers rectified their mistake by unleashing the Florida State product in 2020.
Burns responded by accumulating 58 tackles and four pass deflections. He’s a terror off the edge with a fantastic first-step. He possesses the needed hip and ankle fluidity to withstand contact and bend the edge to create sack opportunities.
Just 23 years old, he’s the lynchpin for this up-and-coming defense. He now has a host of other young defenders around him capable of creating one of the best units in the league. Burns should leap into the double-digit sack numbers in Year 3.
15.Jessie Bates, FS, Bengals
Age: 24
2020 Stats: 3 INT, 15 PD
The second of three Bengals on our top 25 under 25 list is safety Jessie Bates. The 24-year-old amassed one of the best stat lines of any safety in the league last year. He was second on the Bengals with 109 tackles and led the team in interceptions and pass deflections. His ability to be reliable tackling in space and near the line of scrimmage gives him a unique well-roundedness when paired with his ball production. Few safeties are standouts in one area. Bates is a strong producer in both facets.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has constantly gotten the most out of his secondaries regardless of his available talent. Seeing him mold his unit around Bates has been a real treat. Bates could become a household name if Burrow can stay healthy and make the franchise a more prominent threat in 2021.
14.Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals
Age: 24
2020 Stats: 2,688 Yds, 13 TD, 5 INT
Burrow looked every part of a franchise passer in 10 games before tearing his ACL. He consistently created big plays despite having a woeful offensive line, showing the same moxy we saw in college. There’s a beautiful chaos Burrow can operate within and still find success, which is a trait many of the elite passers possess.
Burrow put up those first-year numbers with one of the most abhorrent offensive lines we’ve seen in the last 20 years. Often he was the entire offense since the team couldn’t produce any rushing lanes for Joe Mixon, or the defense was putting the offense in a hole through porous play.
Now coming off a torn ACL, Burrow must be healthy and confident to continue playing his free style that led to his emergence at LSU and as a rookie. He has the upside to be an excellent starter, he just has to prove it. The Bengals are stacked at receiver and retooled their line, so we’re optimistic his best days are coming.
13.Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS, Steelers
Age: 24
2020 Stats: 4 INT, 1 TD, 11 PD, 1 FF
Already a two-time All-Pro safety, the Pittsburgh Steelers wisely grabbed Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins when he came available in his second-season. The versatile and rangy playmaker has changed how the Steelers’ secondary is able to play. He’s been well-worth the first-round pick Pittsburgh gave up.
Incredibly smart, instinctual, and tough, Fitzpatrick is putting up some rare numbers that make him standout from a deep crop of safeties around the league. He’s accumulated 11 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns, 29 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and 228 tackles before he starts his fourth season.
The former Alabama star plays one of the most valuable roles in the league as a single-high safety. Unlocking his playmaking was critical for the Steelers, and their future will be bright on the defensive side if they can extend Fitzpatrick and TJ Watt.
12.Fred Warner, LB, 49ers
Age: 24
2020 Stats: 1.0 SACK, 2 INT, 1 FF
Few linebackers are able to define a unit for a decade but we’ve seen several over the last decade. Bobby Wagner and Luke Kuechly introduced another set of hyper-athletic, uber-smart stalwarts in the middle of their respective defenses. The new wave of young linebackers is headlined by San Francisco’s Fred Warner.
The 24-year-old has been a tackling machine thanks to his sideline-to-sideline range. With 367 tackles in three seasons, he’s unlocked a ton of versatility for the 49ers’ defensive staff. Few linebackers can effectively drop back into coverage or attack the line of scrimmage like Warner can.
His ball production is especially helpful in a division loaded with quality quarterbacks and pass-catchers. He’s logged 21 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, and 4.0 sacks. Warner is a do-it-all star just entering his prime years.
11.AJ Brown, WR, Titans
Age: 23
2020 Stats: 70 Rec, 1,075 Yds, 11 TD
Turning 24 at the end of the month, the league has quickly regretted letting another former Ole Miss receiver slip to the latter part of the second-round. AJ Brown has been the model of consistency while creating explosive plays in the run-heavy Titans’ offense. He’s produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with 19 total touchdowns and averaging 17.4 yards per reception.
Brown’s a bully with the ball, proving to be a one-man wrecking crew as he bulldozes smaller defensive backs for more yards. His strength is unique as a 226-pounder at 6’. The Titans gave him more chances to create after the catch in 2020 and he responded with a 66 percent catch rate and upping his receptions and total yards per-game.
Life without Corey Davis was going to make Brown’s life more difficult. The two complimented each other well in their ball-control offense. But the Titans just acquired Julio Jones and regardless, Brown’s toughness and overall playmaking will continue to make life difficult on defenses.
10.Tristan Wirfs, T, Buccaneers
Age: 22
Ranking such a dominant blocker 10th on this list is a tough pill to swallow for fellow offensive line enthusiasts. Individually, Tristan Wirfs was one of the most physically imposing and dominant presences on the field as a rookie last year. The Buccaneers’ offense clearly benefited from landing the Iowa product in the first-round of the 2020 class.
His lower body strength is truly rare. He can pancake grown men regularly thanks to the combination of hand placement, leverage, and explosive power he generates. He was a highlight reel on a loaded, Super Bowl-winning offense for a reason.
The right tackle enters his second-season as an ascending star from a loaded class of blockers. A dominant right tackle is as important to a team as the other positional stars ranked ahead of him, which is the only reason he’s not even higher on this list.
9.Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Age: 24
2020 Stats: 19 Att, 34 Yds, 0 TD
In retrospect, those who wanted the Browns to draft Saquon Barkley No. 1 overall and then either Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson fourth overall in the 2018 draft appear to have had a great take. The Browns are certainly happy with how that class panned out for them, but Barkley has been the special talent many predicted him to be. The Giants enjoyed two years of elite play until he suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 last year.
Barkely is a tremendous dual-threat as a runner and receiver. With 2,344 rushing yards and 1,219 receiving yards and 23 total scores in 31 games, he’s on pace to be one of the most productive backs of his decade if he can stay healthy. He’s been able to accomplish these numbers despite a poor offensive line and quarterback play.
The Giants added some blocking depth and Kenny Golladay to the offense this off-season, hopefully easing the immense burden Barkley had on him to carry the unit. He’ll still get his touches and be one of the most efficient producers in the league, though. The best-case for Barkley would be to see him morph into Alvin Kamara, who hasn’t had to be the entire offense in New Orleans, but still churns out insane efficiency numbers thanks to the lower but strategic workload.
8.DK Metcalf, WR, Seahawks
Age: 23
2020 Stats: 83 Rec, 1,303 Yds, 10 TD
Is there a receiver more intimidating in the NFL than DK Metcalf? The physical specimen shockingly fell to the second-round of the 2019 NFL Draft as teams were concerned with his medicals and lack of agility. But agility doesn’t matter as Metcalf can soar over defenders or run right past them with his Adonis-like 6’4”, 229-pound frame.
He’s proven many wrong as he’s accumulated 141 catches, 2,203 yards, and 17 touchdowns in two seasons with the Seahawks. Russell Wilson clearly loves Metcalf as the two found a new level of chemistry in 2020. We’re hoping Wilson can cook even more in 2021 and air it out to Metcalf on sideline go routes and deep post bombs.
The sky is the limit for Metcalf even if he’s not the most effective receiver on sharp-cutting routes. His hands have proven more reliable than anyone could’ve hoped considering his somewhat-concerning drop numbers at Ole Miss. Metcalf wins the battle over his competition for this spot because of the sheer fun of his play style in addition to his production.
7.Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals
Age: 23
2020 Stats: 3,971 Yds, 26 TD, 12 INT
The NFL has only seen a few quarterbacks capable of replicating what Kyler Murray can do. The diminutive passer is as quick in the open field as anyone in the league, proving to be a demon when scrambling for first downs. He also boasts one of the stronger arms in the league, and he’s willing to test tight windows that would scare away a less confident passer.
His raw stats through two years in Kliff Kingsbury’s pass-happy offense are quite impressive. He’s completed 65.8 percent of passes for 7,693 yards, 46 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions. Murray has dealt with poor offensive lines and running games for long stretches, and often the entire offense was put onto his 5’10” shoulders.
The Cardinals are happy to have the highlight-producing playmaker but are hoping to see another step forward in his third season. Kingsbury must push Murray to anticipate passing windows more and cut down on his turnovers for this offense to reach the next-level. The 23-year-old can absolutely reach a consistent Pro Bowl or better level with his tools, and 2021 might be the year he ascends into a higher tier overall.
6.Jaire Alexander, CB, Packers
Age: 24
2020 Stats: 1 INT, 13 PD, 1 FF
An aggressive ballhawking corner able to play outside and in the slot, Jaire Alexander is perfect for today’s NFL. Alexander isn’t overly tall but he’s lightning quick, smart, instinctive, and feisty. He saw a big jump in 2020 as his second-year numbers leapt from good to great.
The 24-year-old was targeted 69 times for a completion rate of 50.7 percent. He allowed only 9.6 yards per catch and an impressive 4.9 yards per attempt, per Pro Football Focus. Most impressive was he allowed over 50 yards twice all season despite being tasked with covering Justin Jefferson, Allen Robinson, Mike Evans, and AJ Brown for long stretches of their matchups.
Finding the right balance was key for Alexander after he showed a tendency to bite on hard routes in college and as a rookie. But he’s transcended to an elite cornerback. The Packers must continue to build around him and feature his explosive skill set.
5.Chase Young, DE, Washington Football Team
Age: 22
2020 Stats: 7.5 SACK, 4 FF
One of the freakiest athletes in the NFL, period, is Chase Young. The former Ohio State star and No. 2 overall pick absolutely justified his ranking with his play as a rookie. He led a tremendously good Washington defensive front with 24 quarterback pressures as a rookie.
Chase’s immense 6’5”, 254-pound frame allowed him to withstand one of the highest double-team rates in the league and still be a quality run defender in addition to his production as a pass-rusher. He’s capable of taking over games for stretches and open opportunities for his teammates to finish on sacks and tackles for loss.
Young is right with Nick and Joey Bosa, and Myles Garrett as one of the premier edge players in their age range. He’ll be a force in the NFC East for a long time and has Hall of Fame-type traits. It wouldn’t be surprising to anyone if he leaps above the 10-sack line as a sophomore in 2021.
4.Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
Age: 21
2020 Stats: 88 Rec, 1,400 Yds, 7 TDs
No one expected the Vikings to land a talent nearly as good as the one they traded away when Stefon Diggs was shipped to Buffalo for a 2020 first-round pick. Former LSU receiver Justin Jefferson was a great prospect but fell to the latter part of the round after being overshadowed by Ja’Marr Chase. Now there’s a short list of receivers anyone would take the soon-to-be 22-year-old Jefferson.
His monstrous rookie season put him among rare company. He put up big numbers despite playing in an offense that ranked 27th in passing attempts. Imagine what he could’ve done in an even friendlier system?
Jefferson is a complete threat with his route-running, smooth speed, and strong hands. He finished with seven 100-yard games, and figures to be an even more prominent part of the offense in 2021 now that he’s an established star. The Vikings have one of the most exciting young duos with Jefferson and Dalvin Cook carrying the offense.
3.Nick Bosa, DE, 49ers
Age: 23
2020 Stats: 0 SACK, 1 FF
A torn ACL in the second game meant Nick Bosa was a forgotten man when it came to edge defenders. But he was a massively productive rookie in 2020 and having a full-year to get back on the field means he should be ready to challenge for an All-Pro spot. Bosa earned a Pro Bowl nod and the 2019 Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after logging 9 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and an interception.
He was a creative pass-rusher as a rookie, proving to be as rare as they come. He notched 60 quarterback pressures and a finish-rate of 13.9 percent, both good for fourth in the league, per NFL.com. His quickness, power, and refined hand technique made him play like a seasoned veteran immediately.
He’ll be back in the spotlight more as the 49ers return to Super Bowl aspirations now that they’re healthy. His presence changes the unit completely, helping all three levels of what was a dominant defense two years ago.
2.Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers
Age: 23
2020 Stats: 4,336 Yds, 31 TDs, 10 INT
There were moments during Justin Herbert’s tenure at Oregon where he looked like an exciting passer who could star in the NFL. But that wasn’t often the case, and he was relegated to a game manager with tantalizing arm talent towards the end of his career. He was taken sixth overall by the Chargers and promptly earned the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Herbert’s big arm and improved downfield passing quickly became a storyline in 2020. He completed 66.6 percent of his passes and proved capable of toeing the line of creating big plays and staying efficient within the scheme.
He tailed off as his rookie season proceeded so he must stay aggressive with his strong surrounding cast in LA Having veterans like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Jared Cook, and a revamped offensive line will prove to be one of the best situations in the league. The future is extremely bright for him considering his development as a rookie.
1.Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
Age: 24
2020 Stats: 2,757 Yds, 26 TDs, 9 INT
Three years into his career as the former 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Lamar Jackson already has quite the resume. He’s completed 64 percent of his passes for 7,085 yards, 68 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Jackson’s also added an unfathomable 2,906 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on 482 carries.
The dual-threat earned MVP honors with his breakout 2019 campaign where he led the NFL in passing touchdowns. Jackson’s done it without a true star at receiver, instead relying on tight ends and backup fodder for primary receivers. The growth he’s seen since his days at Louisville is a testament to his work ethic, intelligence, and incredible talent.
The best is yet to come for the electric quarterback. Now armed with more reliable pass catchers, Jackson’s development must show in the playoffs. The Ravens have an elite roster around Jackson, and if he can perform in the postseason as well as the regular-season, they could end up as the Super Bowl champions shortly after Jackson turns 25 in December.