NFC East 25 Under 25: Ranking the Division's Top Young Players

It's hard to believe that LeSean McCoy—the NFL's reigning touchdown king and new owner of a $45 million contract—is only 23 years old. 

McCoy was probably the Philadelphia Eagles' MVP last year. And in another Super Bowl season in New York, it wouldn't be wild to call Jason Pierre-Paul the Giants' MVP from 2011.

Pierre-Paul is also only 23. 

Considering that the most important player on the Washington Redskins roster—rookie second-overall pick Robert Griffin III—is only 22, it's easy to get excited about some of the remarkably talented toddlers residing on NFC East rosters.

And thus, it wasn't easy to make our list of the division's top 25 players under the age of 25. To the eight Eagles, seven Giants, five Cowboys and five Redskins who made the cut, congrats. To those who didn't, there's always next year. 

Unless of course, you're 24.

1. New York Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul

Not only did Jason Pierre-Paul pick up 16.5 sacks and play a massive role as a pass-rusher in the Giants' Super Bowl run, but the 23-year-old showed off his athleticism and versatility as an above-average run defender while possessing the range of a linebacker.

At this point, it's probably fair to wonder whether JPP should have gone ahead of Ndamukong Suh—and maybe even Sam Bradford—in the 2011 NFL draft.

2. Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy

Not only did LeSean McCoy score 23 touchdowns in his third season, but he compiled over 1,600 yards from scrimmage for the second year in a row despite (again) missing some time.

While his workload hasn't really been heavy, he was on the field more than any other back in the league last year, according to Pro Football Focus.

If the 23-year-old, tackle-breaking machine is going to last long enough to earn another big contract, he'll need to get more plays off.

3. Philadelphia Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin

The 24-year-old Jeremy Maclin doesn't get as much credit as his 25-year-old wide receiver peer, DeSean Jackson, but he's actually been Philadelphia's most consistently productive receiver the last two season. 

Take a look at the stats since the start of 2010:

Maclin: 29 GMS, 133 REC, 1,823 YDS, 15 TD
Jackson: 29 GMS, 105 REC, 2,017 YDS, 11 TD

Guess who's in line for a big extension in Philly?

4. New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks

There's a reason why the panic level is so high despite the fact that Hakeem Nicks should be back from a broken foot with plenty of time to spare this summer.

The Giants and their fans know that their chances are greatly diminished without their 24-year-old former first-round pick.

While durability might not be his strongest attribute, Nicks has been Eli Manning's favorite target the past two seasons, compiling 2,244 receiving yards in 28 games. 

Nicks cemented his spot in the top four with a 28-catch, 444-yard, four-touchdown playoff run in January and February. Without him, the Giants aren't the defending Super Bowl champions.

5. Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III

This is a tough one, because there are players ranked below Robert Griffin III on this list who have—you know—played in the NFL.

That said, we're projecting a little, and it won't take long before the reigning Heisman Trophy winner out of Baylor is one of the best players in the division, period.

Even if RG3 doesn't completely fulfill some of the romantic expectations in D.C. as a rookie, the 22-year-old will almost surely make enough of an impact to be a top-five under-25 player for the next three seasons.

6. Dallas Cowboys CB Morris Claiborne

Uh-oh, another rookie. This one admittedly takes more limb-climbing, because rookie cornerbacks rarely avoid hiccups.

That said, 22-year-old Morris Claiborne was arguably the best defensive player in this year's draft, and he'll have a chance to make a lot of big plays as a starter from the get-go.

7. Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant

The 24th overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft has by no means been a bust, but he's still failed to live up to expectations while struggling to stay healthy and deliver consistent performances two years into his career. 

The good news is that Dez Bryant is only 23 and is still coming off of a nine-touchdown sophomore season. He's bound to finally go over 1,000 yards in year three.

8. Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray

It only took the 24-year-old half a season to establish himself as the clear No. 1 back in Dallas.

And based on what he did during his limited time as a starter in 2011, DeMarco Murray probably would have been higher on this list had an ankle injury not cost him the final four games of his rookie season.

Although, I should mention that his ridiculous numbers tailed off a little bit prior to the injury, so it'll be interesting to see if he can build on that surprising rookie campaign or if he fades away in one-hit-wonder fashion. 

9. Washington Redskins OT Trent Williams

The 23-year-old Trent Williams was supposed to be a bust based on his horrible rookie season, but the 2010 fourth-overall pick emerged as a potential franchise left tackle in a much improved sophomore campaign.

Assuming he can stay away from the wacky tobacky, Williams should only get better as he gains comfort with an improving line.

10. Dallas Cowboys OT Tyron Smith

After a stellar rookie season at right tackle, the 21-year-old former No. 9 overall pick will switch to the left side to protect QB Tony Romo's blind side in 2012.

Expect Tyron Smith to be much more consistent with a proper offseason under his belt this time around.

11. Washington Redskins OLB Ryan Kerrigan

Ten weeks into the 2011 season, Ryan Kerrigan might have been in the pole position in the defensive rookie of the year race. And while his final sack total of 7.5 didn't get the job done, the 23-year-old emerged as an ideal complement to Brian Orakpo.

Just like Orakpo, the No. 16 overall pick in 2011 needs to get better in run defense and pass coverage, but he's already one of the division's scariest defensive playmakers.

12. New York Giants RB David Wilson

I'm actually placing David Wilson ahead of Philly's first-round pick, Fletcher Cox, mainly because it's clear that Wilson will have a better chance to flash his skills early and often as a rookie.

The 20-year-old speedster out of Virginia Tech is off to a good start, and he'll likely have plenty of opportunities to contribute alongside Ahmad Bradshaw in the Giants backfield.

13. Washington Redskins RB Roy Helu

The 23-year-old had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage despite starting only five games as a rookie in 2011.

Roy Helu will again have his hands full in the battle for reps in the Washington backfield, but he was really getting into a rhythm before ankle and toe injuries derailed the end of his 2011 season.

If he can stay healthy, Helu should emerge as the Redskins' No. 1 back in 2012.

14. Philadelphia Eagles C Jason Kelce

The 24-year-old surpassed expectations as a rookie sixth-round pick in 2011, emerging as a superb run-blocking center and showing maturity beyond his years, as he and Michael Vick clicked from the get-go. 

Granted, Jason Kelce was a terrible pass-blocker, but he was also learning on the fly following a shortened offseason.

It's got to be encouraging for Eagles fans that he already feels like a veteran leader. Watch for the Cincinnati product to become an All-Pro candidate in the very near future.

15. New York Giants CB Prince Amukamara

At the age of 22, the 19th overall pick out of Nebraska never had a chance to prove himself as a rookie in 2011, missing all of training camp and the first nine games of the season due to a broken foot. 

Prince Amukamara did return in Week 11 and register an interception in his first career series, but that was the highlight of an otherwise ineffectual first season.

This year, the strong, physical corner with top-tier playmaking ability should earn plenty of reps in the nickel package. Look for him to break out.

16. Philadelphia Eagles OLB Mychal Kendricks

Mychal Kendricks, a second-round pick out of Cal, has been the division's most talked about rookie not named Robert Griffin III, which is remarkable when you consider how many first-year players are expected to make an impact in 2012.

The rangy 21-year-old put on a show in Philly's rookie camp and has now emerged as the clear-cut favorite to start on the strong side. 

17. Washington Redskins WR Leonard Hankerson

Despite playing in only three games as a rookie in 2011, Leonard Hankerson had 163 yards receiving and was well on his way to becoming a reliable young starting wide receiver before a hip injury abruptly ended his season. 

If the 23-year-old can stay healthy in his second year, he'll emerge as a starter from day one and might even challenge Pierre Garcon and Fred Davis to become RG3's most relied upon weapon. 

18. New York Giants TE Jake Ballard

It's really too bad that 24-year-old Jake Ballard might miss all of the 2012 season, because he was an underrated weapon in the Giants offense.

After failing to make an appearance as an undrafted rookie in 2010, the tight end replaced Kevin Boss seamlessly in 2011, making several crucial catches down the stretch while surpassing the 600-yard mark despite missing two games.

19. Philadelphia Eagles DT Fletcher Cox

The No. 12 overall pick, Fletcher Cox will jump into a crowded rotation on the Eagles defensive line, which is causing us to temper our immediate expectations.

Still, the super versatile 21-year-old is considered to be the complete package as a pass-rusher from the inside. 

Hell, as Bleacher Report's Alen Dumonjic points out, he can even drop back into coverage.

There's a reason Philly traded away two picks just to move up three spots to draft this guy.

20. New York Giants LB Mark Herzlich

Former ACC Defensive Player of the Year Mark Herzlich went undrafted last year, quite possibly because nobody wanted to risk a pick on a 23-year-old who had missed the 2009 season while fighting bone cancer. 

Now, though, he's a Super Bowl champion with a pair of starts already under his belt and is in the mix to win the starting middle linebacker job in 2012.

He isn't fast or versatile, big he's big enough and strong enough to become a quality starter in this league for years to come.

21. New York Giants DT Linval Joseph

Twenty-three-year-old Linval Joseph was sturdy in his first year as a starter in New York, recording 49 tackles and a pair of sacks while serving as a far-from-glamorous but consistent run-stuffer as Jason Pierre-Paul and Co. got all of the attention.

The massive former second-round pick will again be counted on to clog lanes and make that initial contact in 2012.

Expect him to keep getting better in his third pro season.

22. Philadelphia Eagles S Nate Allen

The 24-year-old was the league's defensive rookie of the month in September of 2010, but he's failed to build on that since.

Nate Allen, a second-round pick out of South Florida, simply failed to make plays in his sophomore season. But the entire defense struggled last year, and Allen was hampered by an ankle injury for a large chunk of the season. 

He has all the tools to be a great safety, so look for Allen to bounce back in 2012.

23. Philadelphia Eagles DE Brandon Graham

In terms of sheer talent, Brandon Graham probably deserves a spot in the top 10.

But the No. 13 overall pick from 2010 has just three sacks in a career that has been bogged down by the torn ACL he suffered late in his rookie season.

Now, he's healthy and has shed some weight, and he's sure to benefit from a full offseason under Jim Washburn.

24. Philadelphia Eagles S Kurt Coleman

Like Nate Allen, there's still some uncertainty surrounding Kurt Coleman in Philadelphia.

But in his first year as a full-time starter, the 23-year-old outplayed the higher regarded Allen, recording 78 tackles to go with four interceptions (three in one game against Washington) and five passes defensed. 

It won't be easy for Coleman to hold off 2011 second-round pick Jaiquawn Jarrett, but he gets the nod on this list for the time being.

25. Dallas Cowboys LB Bruce Carter

Bruce Carter, 24, did absolutely nothing as a rookie, but we'll use the lockout excuse for him, too.

Plus, he was recovering from a torn ACL until late October.

The second-round pick out of North Carolina has the speed and athleticism to start in Dallas for years to come.