NFL franchises don’t necessarily need young players to be contenders, but having emerging talent signals promising long-term prospects. Top-tier young players serve as foundational assets, around whom teams can build significant future value.
For the third consecutive year, the Houston Texans top the list of teams with the most talent under 25. This advantage follows from securing a high draft pick and adding two very young stars: quarterback CJ Stroud and defensive edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., both drafted in 2023 and among the league’s most valuable young talents.
Previously, the Texans led by a wide margin in young player rankings, but now the competition is tighter with other leading teams. Below is the ranking as of September 1, 2024.
Methodology for these rankings includes:
– Counting starters under age 25
– Evaluating snap counts for players under 25
– Adjusting player quality assessments to factor in growth potential, recognizing that younger players (21 years old) typically improve more than those closer to 24
– Considering contract value and length
– Weighing positional importance, giving quarterbacks higher value than running backs, linebackers, or specialists
– Factoring in 2025 draft picks, mainly the first three rounds
– Projecting under-25 starters and key reserves for 2025
– Accounting for injuries and suspensions affecting availability of young players
Highlights by team:
Houston Texans (Rank 1): Featuring standout QB CJ Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., both 24, who won the 2023 Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards respectively. Their secondary includes young cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, among others. The roster is loaded with promising young players across various positions.
Seattle Seahawks (Rank 10): They jumped eight spots due to a breakout season from WR Jackson Smith-Njigba and drafting young QB Jalen Milroe. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is another key young defender, along with several rookies and second-year players contributing on both sides of the ball.
Washington Commanders (Rank 18): QB Jayden Daniels, 24, led this group after a strong rookie campaign. Other young talents include offensive linemen Brandon Coleman and Josh Connelly Jr., while the defense is deeper at tackle and cornerback positions.
New York Giants (Rank 13): The team boasts an impressive core including WR Malik Nabers, edge rushers Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and QB Jaxson Dart. Their young roster includes several promising receivers and defensive players with potential for growth.
Chicago Bears (Rank 5): With young QB Caleb Williams leading, joined by WR Rome Odunze and OT Darnell Wright, Chicago has a group of drafted talent driving future potential.
Detroit Lions (Rank 2): Although some stars like Aidan Hutchinson are aging out of this list, the Lions still have standout young players like OT Penei Sewell, WR Jameson Williams, and RB Jahmyr Gibbs holding promise.
New England Patriots (Rank 25): Their young talent centers on QB Drake Maye and CB Christian Gonzalez, supported by young offensive linemen and wide receivers. However, their defensive youth is less developed.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Rank 7): The Jaguars’ talent includes WRs Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, edge rusher Travon Walker, and a young tight end group.
Tennessee Titans (Rank 22): The youngest players include CB Cameron Ward and offensive linemen JC Latham and others, though the offensive skill positions are older.
Los Angeles Chargers (Rank 15): Prominent young players include OT Joe Alt and WRs Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, with several rookies and second-year players weighing in on defense.
Las Vegas Raiders (Rank 31): Most young talent is offensive, including TE Brock Bowers and RB Ashton Jeanty. The defense has fewer young starters.
Carolina Panthers (Rank 19): Young QB Bryce Young leads alongside WR Tetairoa McMillan, with a variety of defensive rookies and young players contributing.
Indianapolis Colts (Rank 12): QB Anthony Richardson, despite some struggles, remains one of the bright young talents. The team also fields young receivers, linemen, and defensive backs.
Minnesota Vikings (Rank 24): Their youth is led by QB JJ McCarthy and WR Jordan Addison, with a smaller pool of young contributors compared to others.
Atlanta Falcons (Rank 4): Boasting RB Bijan Robinson and WR Drake London as bright young stars, along with defensively young players making an impact.
Green Bay Packers (Rank 9): Featuring a mix of young wide receivers and defensive players, though lacking standout blue-chip stars.
New Orleans Saints (Rank 30): Young talent includes rookies and players like OT Zachary Carter and several defensive prospects.
Cincinnati Bengals (Rank 17): With OT Amarius Mims leading the young group, and several defensive backs contributing though not all are starters.
Buffalo Bills (Rank 16): They have young stars like CB Christian Benford and WR Kion Coleman along with promising rookies.
Pittsburgh Steelers (Rank 20): Primarily focusing on young offensive linemen and some rising defenders like OT Broderick Jones and rookie Edge Derrick Harmon.
New York Jets (Rank 11): With young offensive linemen and a committee of young running backs, Jets focus is on building youth.
Cleveland Browns (Rank 28): Their rookies, including DT Mason Graham and RB Quinshon Judkins, highlight their young roster.
San Francisco 49ers (Rank 23): Young players include safety Malik Mustapha and edge rusher Michael Williams, alongside other defenders.
Miami Dolphins (Rank 32): Have youthful talent but limited playing time so far, with players like RB De’von Achane and edge rusher Chop Robinson leading the young corps.
Denver Broncos (Rank 26): Few kick players under 25, mainly young quarterbacks and a couple of defensive prospects.
Editorial Take: This comprehensive look at NFL teams’ youth highlights the vital role young talent plays in shaping future contenders. Fans should watch these emerging players closely, as they often signal which teams will rise in the coming years, impacting the league’s competitive landscape and fan engagement.
