25 Best NFL Players Under the Age of 25
By Jason McIntyre
We attempted to rank the 25 best players under the age of 25 in the NFL. Skill position players transition the quickest; offensive lineman less so. Before you ask, Odell Beckham and Jadeveon Clowney are 25, and thus ineligible. The player you want to yell at us for not making the list probably “just missed” and is listed at the end.
1. DeShaun Watson, QB, Texans, age 22
He’s only played five games, but shredded Seattle on the road (402 yards, 3 TDs), and throwing 11 TDs against playoff teams KC, Tennessee and New England sold me. He’s going to get Houston to the playoffs sooner than later.
2. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys, age 22
After his 1,631-yard, 15-TD rookie rushing season, an unwarranted suspension ruined his 2017. Between revenge and the Cowboys going to the ground more, 2,000 yards is within reach.
3. Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans, age 24
Had a case for #1 if he had built on his 2016 season, but he regressed, throwing a career-low 13 TDs and a career-high 15 INTs. Was tied for the league lead with 4 game-winning drives.
4. Jalen Ramsey, DB, Jaguars, age 23
It took him just two years to become the best cornerback in football. Was named 1st team All-Pro last season, helping the Jags get to the AFC title game.
5. Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers, age 22
He’s got 23 sacks in 28 games, and he’s forced five fumbles. Already among the NFL’s elite pass rushers, with Khalil Mack, Von Miller and JJ Watt.
6. Todd Gurley, RB, Rams, age 23
It almost feels like his first two years with Jeff Fisher were wasted (he still had 1,991 yards, 16 TDs on the ground) when you consider how he nearly won the MVP in his first year with Sean McVay (19 total TDs, 2,093 yards).
7. Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys, age 24
Stats took a dip after the stunning rookie year, and it’ll be interesting to see how he does without his two leading receivers from last year. Turns 25 in July.
8. Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints, age 22
A 3rd round steal who scored 13 total TDs and was equally deadly on the ground (728 yards) and through the air (826 yards).
9. Jared Goff, QB, Rams, age 23
Famously went 0-7 as a rookie under Jeff Fisher and looked like a bust; rebounded to improve in every offensive category and throw 28 TDs while getting the Rams to the playoffs. And now he’s got Brandin Cooks.
10. Mike Evans, WR, Bucs, age 24
He’s already a Top 10 receiver in the NFL after just four seasons. Consistency would be nice – he’s gone 12 TDs, then 3, then 12, then 5 – but part of that is due to his up-and-down QB, Jameis Winston. Evans turns 25 in August.
11. Jameis Winston, QB, Bucs, age 24
Story of his career so far: Winston’s puzzling 3rd year featured a career-best 63.8 completions, a career-low 19 TDs and a career-high 15 fumbles. Perhaps he’ll finally put it all together and get to the playoffs this year.
12. Marshon Lattimore, CB, Saints, age 21
The defensive rookie of the year looked like a lockdown corner for the Saints, intercepting five passes. Was a Pro Bowler as a rookie.
13. Tyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs, age 24
Has the potential to be one of the best 5th round picks in NFL history. Lead the NFL in punt return yards and TDs in 2016; in 2017 he caught 75 passes for 1,183 yards. And now he’s got big armed Pat Mahomes.
14. Landon Collins, S, Giants, age 24
A 2nd round steal, Collins has made the Pro Bowl in two of his first three years and was 1st team All-Pro in 2016. On a sorry Giants defense last year, he was outstanding.
15. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers, age 21
His 80 receptions were 14th most in the NFL, and 3rd most among RBs. That’s as a 21-year old rookie. People talk about David Johnson as the 3rd potential 1,000 yard back as a rusher and receiver (Marshall Faulk, Roger Craig). McCaffrey will challenge that sooner than later.
16. Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs, age 22
The 3rd round pick led the NFL in rushing as a rookie (1,327 yards) and was dangerous receiving, too (53 catches).
17. Leonard Fournette, RB, Jaguars, age 23
The 3.9 yards per carry was low, but nobody faced more 8-man fronts. Went for 109 yards and 3 TDs in the playoffs vs Pittsburgh, and hung 181 yards and two scores on the Steelers in October.
18. Jamal Adams, S, Jets, age 22
Started from Day 1 as a rookie, and was an impact player for a Jets defense that exceeded expectations. Reminds me of a young Darren Woodson.
19. Myles Garrett, DE, Browns, age 22
Had a relatively quiet rookie year, appearing in 11 games and registering seven sacks. Talent is undeniable, and he’s gong to be a force in 2018.
20. Juju Smith-Schuster, WR, Steelers, age 21
The 2nd round pick exceeded shocked defenses everywhere, catching 58 passes for 917 yards and 7 TDs.
21. Sam Darnold, QB, Jets, age 20
Has yet to play a down in the NFL, and probably won’t play much as a rookie, but let’s be realistic – he was the most talented QB in the draft, and he’s going to be an NFL star. Before you answer, roll the Penn State Rose Bowl tape. He was 19.
22. Jordan Howard, RB, Bears age 23
Despite having one of the worst passing offenses in the NFL, Howard has still had an awesome 2-year stretch: 2,435 yards, 15 TDs on the ground. Was a 5th round pick.
23. Jack Conklin, OL, Titans, age 23
From walk-on at Michigan State to All-American in four years; from Top 10 pick to All-Pro right tackle in two years. Should be 100% healthy from a torn ACL in the playoff game vs the Patriots.
24. Leonard Williams, DE, Jets, age 23
Very strong first two years for the former USC star, but was slowed in 2017 after the loss of Sheldon Richardson and spotty play of flaky Muhammad Wilkerson.
25. Stefon Diggs, WR, Vikings, age 24
His numbers through three years (200 catches, 2,472 yards, 15 TDs) aren’t bigger than some players who just missed the list, but he’s also had three different QBs (Keenum, Bradford, Bridgewater), and he’s going to go bananas this year with Kirk Cousins.
Just missed:
Deion Jones, LB, Falcons, age 23 – Surely will regret having him just miss the Top 25, but he’s already a Top 5 ILB in the NFL.
Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders age 23 – Was on the cusp of stardom after two monster years, but his massive regression in 2017 due to dropped passes kept him off the list. How will he adjust to being the #1 option?
Trai Turner, OL, Panthers, age 24 – Doesn’t turn 25 until June, and has already made three Pro Bowls.
Kevin Byard, S, Titans, age 24 – Turns 25 in August, and is coming off a season as 1st team All-Pro.
Hunter Henry, TE, Chargers, age 23 – With Antonio Gates gone, it’s finally his time.
Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Jaguars, age 23 – Third round pick has 10 forced fumbles and 20 sacks in two years, and almost certainly makes this list next year.
Danielle Hunter, DE, Vikings, age 23 – Third round pick has registered 25.5 sacks in three seasons.
Ronald Darby, CB, Eagles, age 24 – Ankle injury in 2017 limited him to eight games, but his first two years in Buffalo were terrific.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Rams age 24 – Has the stats to make the list, but his 5th year in the NFL will be his 3rd team (Saints, Patriots, Rams).
Sammy Watkins, WR, Chiefs, age 24 – Another speedy, talented 5th year receiver going to his 3rd team already (Bills, Rams, Chiefs).