W.G. Brady
The Detroit Lions are well-represented on this list!
Under the guidance of General Manager Brad Holmes, the Detroit Lions have excelled in identifying and developing young talent, as evidenced by the team’s strong presence on Pro Football Focus’s annual Top 25 Players Under 25 List. The list, which highlights the NFL’s most promising young stars, features several Lions who are not only excelling in their early careers but also setting standards for their NFL peers.
Penei Sewell: Dominating the Offensive Line
Ranked number one among Lions players, offensive tackle Penei Sewell has quickly become a cornerstone of Detroit’s line. At just 23 years old, Sewell has amassed over 3,359 regular-season snaps, the second most among all NFL players during that span. His outstanding performance in 2023 earned him the highest PFF overall grade (92.8) and run-blocking grade (95.1) among all offensive linemen, signaling his path to becoming the league’s top lineman.
Aidan Hutchinson: Elite Defensive Presence
Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, ranking sixth on the list, has quickly risen to the top tier of NFL pass rushers. Following a promising rookie season, Hutchinson’s performance soared in 2023 with a PFF pass-rushing grade of 91.2, placing him among the elite. His 110 total pressures ranked second among edge defenders, confirming his critical role in Detroit’s defense.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: Consistent Offensive Threat
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, ranked eleventh, continues to build on his breakout season, confirming his place among the NFL’s elite receivers. His consistent performance earned him PFF overall grades above 90.0 for two consecutive years, a feat matched only by superstars Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson. St. Brown’s reliable catching and route-running have made him indispensable to the Lions’ offense.
Sam LaPorta: Standout Tight End
Tight end Sam LaPorta, positioned nineteenth, exceeded expectations in his rookie year, potentially outperforming all rookie tight ends over the past decade. His extensive playing time and high PFF grades in both overall and receiving categories suggest he might be among the best at his position soon.
Jahmyr Gibbs: Emerging Running Back Talent
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who ranks twenty-first, displayed his explosive potential in the latter half of the 2023 season. After returning from injury, he demonstrated his playmaking ability, earning a respectable PFF overall grade of 78.0, which ranked eleventh among running backs post-injury.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Leadership in Talent Development: The Detroit Lions, under GM Brad Holmes, have excelled in drafting and developing young talent, as evidenced by multiple players ranked on PFF’s Top 25 Under 25 list.
- Promising Young Core: Key young players like Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, and Amon-Ra St. Brown are not only excelling in their roles but are among the best young talents in the league.
- Bright Outlook: The significant presence of Lions players on this prestigious list points to a strong future and potential for sustained success in the NFL.
Bottom Line: Lions’ Bright Future
The strong representation of Detroit Lions players on the PFF Top 25 Under 25 List underscores the team’s successful rebuild and strategic talent acquisition. These young stars are poised to help the Lions compete at a high level, ensuring an optimistic outlook for the franchise’s future in the NFL.
