Ja'Marr Chase, Jalen Carter Top Under-25 Player Rankings by NFL Execs, Coaches

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is considered to be the NFL's brightest talent aged 25 or younger in the eyes of people around the league.

The Athletic's Mike Jones spoke with almost two dozen front office officials, scouts and coaches for the annual exercise. Fresh off completing the receiving triple crown, Chase was at the top of the list.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter came in at No. 2, while Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was next.

Here's the top 10 from Jones' ranking:

NFL Top Players 25 or Younger

1. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

2. Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

3. Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders

4. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions

5. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

6. Pat Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos

7. Penei Sewell, RT, Detroit Lions

8. C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans

9. Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens

10. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions

Perhaps the most notable aspect is who missed the cut. Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, and he didn't even warrant honorable mention from Jones.

This comes after Mike Sando of The Athletic ranked Williams as the 23rd-best QB and put him in Tier 3, which is reserved for a "legitimate starter but needs a heavier running game and/or defensive component to win."

The Chicago signal-caller wasn't necessarily that bad as a rookie, finishing with 3,541 passing yards and 20 touchdowns to six interceptions, but he still clearly has a lot to prove.

Another conclusion to draw from Jones' ranking is how well set up the Eagles defense is moving forward. In addition to Carter, Philly has cornerback Quinyon Mitchell coming in at No. 15 and versatile defensive back Cooper DeJean got honorable mention.

The reigning Super Bowl champions allowed the fewest yards and second-fewest points last year, and they might be getting even better.

When your starting quarterback is making $51 million a season, it's imperative to make the most of your draft picks because that's young cost-controlled talent if you want to contend.

That's exactly what Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has done, and it gives Philadelphia a championship window that should extend well beyond 2025.