NFL 2011 Preview: Ranking the Top 5 Players Age 25 or Under at Each Position

2011 NFL Preview: The Top 5 Players 25 Years Old or Younger at Each Position

After ranking the top five teams at each position and the top five overall players at each position, we now continue on to the best young players in the NFL.

The future of the game is on the shoulders of players 25 years or younger, and we've set out to rank the top five at each position in the NFL. 

For sake of the exercise, I've excluded any rookies from the rankings. They haven't played a down of NFL football, making it hard to decide where they fit in. 

If you've read either of my first two rankings, you know the drill. We'll start at quarterback and end with return specialists. Buckle up—we've got the best of the NFL's young talent coming at you.

Quarterbacks

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SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 21: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 21, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

1. Josh Freeman

In his first full season under center, Freeman brought the Bucs within a tie-breaker of the playoffs. He's a more athletic version of Ben Roethlisberger with a higher ceiling. 

2. Sam Bradford

Bradford validated his No. 1 overall selection in 2010 by putting together a solid rookie campaign. With more offensive weapons in St. Louis this year, he should be able to improve in all areas.

3. Matt Stafford

He'd be higher on this list if he could stay healthy for a full season. Stafford has the complete package, and he'll be in the 2011 playoff hunt if he plays in all 16 games.

4. Mark Sanchez

No love for a guy who's been to two straight AFC Championship games? Maybe. But until he improves his on-field numbers, Sanchez is nothing more than a game manager on a good team.

5. Colt McCoy

McCoy has a long ways to go to crack the top four of this list. If he keeps improving, however, and winning big games like last season (vs. Patriots, at Saints), McCoy will put his name up there with the Freeman's and Bradford's. 

Running Backs

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 18: Running back Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on October 18, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

1. Chris Johnson

He's my No. 1 running back overall, so this selection is by default. No running back since maybe Barry Sanders is as dangerous a home run threat as Johnson is everywhere on the field.

2. Jamaal Charles

Charles is slowly—an odd word to use with him—approaching Johnson in the home run threat category. The Chiefs are lucky to pair him with Thomas Jones in their backfield.

3. Arian Foster

He had a fantastic 2010 season, winning the rushing title in a pass-first offense, but Foster needs to continue that elite level of play. There is an abundance of really good under-25 rushing talent. 

4. Darren McFadden

If there is one guy who could skyrocket up this list, it's McFadden. He's got the size and speed to be a top-five overall rusher for the foreseeable future.

5 (t). Ray Rice

Rice does it all for the Ravens offense. With back-to-back seasons of 1,200-plus yards and 50-or-more catches, he certainly could be higher on this list.

5 (t). Lesean McCoy

It's almost a shame that McCoy is this low, but that's a testament to how many good young rushers the NFL has. McCoy was fourth in yards from scrimmage in 2010.

Wide Receivers

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions catches the ball on an 87-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Gian

1. Calvin Johnson

It's surprising that Johnson is still 25 or under, but this is an easy choice. He could have a monster season if Matthew Stafford stays healthy for 16 games.

2. Desean Jackson

One of the most electric players in the game, Jackson can impact a game in several ways. There's no better deep threat and return man combination in the NFL today.

3. Hakeem Nicks

If Nicks wouldn't have missed three games in 2010, his statistics would have ranked among the tops in the NFL. Even in a receiver-heavy NFC, I could see Nicks making a run at the Pro Bowl in 2011.

4. Mike Wallace

He's still developing as a route runner, but Wallace is as exciting and explosive a player as Jackson is. He averaged a crazy 21 yards per catch in 2010.

5. Mike Williams

The battle to get to the Pro Bowl in the NFC at receiver is going to be fun to watch over the next several years. Williams is another guy who could explode in his second season with Josh Freeman.

Tight Ends

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 27: Jermichael Finley #88 of the Green Bay Packers looks on during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 27, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears won 20-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

1. Jermichael Finley

Again, this might be high for a guy who only has 16 career NFL starts in three seasons. But there's not a doubt in my mind that Finley will outproduce nearly every tight end in the game if he stays healthy for 16 games. Remember—he was on pace for 84 catches and 1,204 yards before his injury in 2010.

2. Brandon Pettigrew

Pettigrew reminds me a little bit of Jason Witten with his combination of blocking and receiving skills. He caught 71 passes in 2010 and will be a big part of how the Lions run the football next season. 

3. Rob Gronkowski

Gronkowski is another guy in the mold of Witten. He's not going to run away from defenders, but he's solid at the point of attack and will catch anything in his area. Ten touchdowns from a rookie is impressive enough.

4. Aaron Hernandez

If there is guy on this list who could really breakout next season (besides Finley, obviously), it might be Hernandez. He's going to thrive in New England's offense for a long time.

5. Tony Moeaki 

Moeaki was quietly a big part of the Chiefs offense in 2010, catching 57 passes. I'd be surprised, however, if he doesn't drastically improve his touchdown totals in 2011. Moeaki, at 6'4", only caught three last year.

Offensive Tackles

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KANSAS CITY - SEPTEMBER 28: Ryan Clady #78 of the Denver Broncos stands in the tunnel before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28, 2008 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 33-19. (Photo by: J

1. Ryan Clady

He's heads and shoulders above anyone on this list. Clady is an athletic tackle who is dominant in the passing game.

2. Jason Smith

One-half of a really good tackle tandem in St. Louis, Smith anchors the right side for the Rams and does it well. Has he maxed out his potential though?

3. Michael Oher

He certainly had some struggles as he moved from the right to left side, but Oher is still a good NFL tackle. He's a lot brighter than "The Blind Side" portrayed him as well.

4. Rodger Saffold

Saffold could easily jump to No. 2 on this list with another good season in St. Louis. In the second round, he was easily one of the steals of the 2010 draft.

5. Jared Veldheer

From small-school Hillsdale to 2010 NFL All-Rookie team was a big jump for Veldheer. He'll continue to improve as he gains more experience at the position.

Interior Offensive Lineman

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Josh Sitton #71 of the Green Bay Packers in action against the New York Jets on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The Packers defeated the Jets 9-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Get

1. Josh Sitton

If he continues on his career progression, Sitton will soon be the NFL's best guard. That's not my Packers bias either—Sitton is widely considered one of the better ones already.

2. Maurkice Pouncey

Pouncey was the best rookie offensive lineman in the game last season, and the Steelers missed him in the Super Bowl. 

3. Alex Mack

Mack is the steady and consistent center every team wants on their roster. And really, how many centers get the chance to score a touchdown in the Pro Bowl?

4. Mike Iupati

He's a mauler in the run game, and Iupati could rise up this list with another good season in San Francisco.

5. Zane Beadles

Haven't heard of him? I wouldn't worry—there's not many who have. Still, Beadles made the All-Rookie team last season and should only get better.

Defensive Ends

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 05: Charles Johnson #95 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates on the field during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America on October 5, 2008 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

1. Charles Johnson

Johnson broke out last season, recording 11.5 sacks while doing his best to fill the role of the departed Julius Peppers. As a free agent, he earned himself a big contract in the near future.

2. Carlos Dunlap

In his rookie season, which saw him miss four of the first five games, Dunlap still brought down the quarterback 9.5 times. 

3. Matt Shaughnessy

I might be higher on Shaughnessy than most, but he could be on the verge of a breakout 2011. He's a natural pass rusher.

4. Lamarr Houston

The Raiders should be set at both ends with Shaughnessy and Houston. The rookie had five sacks in 15 starts in 2010.

5. Jason Pierre-Paul

Pierre-Paul is a guy who could be a 12-15 sack guy if he puts it all together. He's a freak athletically, but he's buried behind a pair of really good defensive ends in New York.

Interior Defensive Linemen

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DETROIT - AUGUST 28: Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions lines up while playing the Cleveland Browns in a preseason game on August 28, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

1. Ndamukong Suh

Has there been a more dominant inside presence so early in his career than Suh? Warren Sapp comes to mind recently, but Suh could even pass him with another big season in 2011.

2. B.J. Raji

He's so important to the Packers 3-4 defense, and Raji started rushing the passer late in 2010. He's a Vince Wilfork type player.

3. Tyson Alualu

Everyone was up in arms about the Jaguars taking Alualu so high in 2010, but he proved his drafters correct with a solid 2010 season.

4. Gerald McCoy

He was supposed to be the Buccaneers' version of Suh, but injuries slowed his rookie season. He'll be a big part of Tampa Bay's defense in 2011.

5. Terrance Knighton 

He was a really good player in 2009, making the All-Rookie team, and was arguably better last season. Knighton looks like he could be a solid pass-rusher from the inside. 

Outside Linebackers

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers awaits the start of play against the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bills 34-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Gett

1. Clay Matthews

He's one of the best young pass rushers in the game, and while some will argue he's a "one-dimensional" player, there are very few who are better than him at what he's asked to do.

2. Brian Orakpo

He started his 2010 season with seven sacks in seven weeks, but only registered 1.5 more the rest of the way. Orakpo will only be better with a pass rusher opposite him.

3. Koa Misi

I'm not sold that Misi will ever be a big-time sack numbers guy, but he consistently good against both the pass and run. 

4. Jermaine Cunningham

The Patriots didn't draft a pass rusher, and they're counting on Cunningham to be better next season. It wouldn't be unreasonable to think he could register five to seven sacks in year two.

5. Pat Angerer

He was a part in 88 tackles while starting just 11 games in 2010, and Angerer is the type of smart linebacker the Colts have thrived with. 

Inside Linebackers

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17: Jerod Mayo #51 of the New England Patriots looks on before play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 17, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

1. Jerod Mayo

There will be a strong argument over whether Timmons should be No. 1, but Mayo is more important to the Patriots defense. His 175 tackles in 2010 are hard to argue with.

2. Lawrence Timmons

If you want a more attacking-style inside linebacker, Timmons would be your guy. He's really been an underrated part of the Steelers defense over the past few seasons.

3. James Laurinaitis

Laurinaitis has started all 32 games of his professional career, racking up 234 tackles in the process. He'll always ranks high in that department as long as he's one the field.

4. Rolando McClain

A first round pick in 2010, McClain should take off in his second season. I'd expect a lot more big plays from him in 2011.

5. Brian Cushing

Cushing's stock took a hit with his suspension and lackluster 2010 performance. He could thrive in the Texans' new 3-4 defense, however.

Cornerbacks

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Cornerback Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets warms up on the field prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald M

1. Darrelle Revis

He and Nnamdi Asomugha are the best corners in football, but Revis is still just 25 years old. Scary.

2. Devin McCourty

McCourty burst onto the scene in 2010, intercepting seven passes and establishing himself as a sure-fire top-15 NFL cornerback.

3. Brandon Flowers

Flowers has quietly put himself into the top-15 cornerbacks discussion as well. He's not a big numbers guy, but he covers well and isn't afraid to make tackles near the line of scrimmage.

4. Vontae Davis

The most physical corner on this list, Davis has shown flashes but needs to be more consistent. 2011 is a big year for his development. 

5. Joe Haden

The combine numbers didn't scare off the Browns during the 2010 draft, and they got a really good cornerback because of it. He could vault into the discussion with a good second season. 

Safeties

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Safety Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after breaking up a pass to tight end Todd Heap #86 of the Baltimore Ravens in the endzone during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on Janua

1. Eric Berry

He's already one of the best safeties in football, and I'd expect him to only get better. Berry will hit you in the mouth, and he's got a penchant for making big plays.

2. Earl Thomas

Berry gets a lot of the hype, but Thomas isn't too far behind him. He's got good ball skills and flies around the football. 

3. Louis Delmas

As the leader of a weak secondary, a lot of responsibility lies with Delmas in Detroit. He has to have a big 2011 for the Lions to be contenders.

4. Jairus Bryd

He gets overlooked on a bad Buffalo team, but don't forget that Bryd has 10 interceptions in two NFL seasons. 

5. T.J. Ward

Ward made a ton of plays for Cleveland last year, totaling 123 tackles and two interceptions in his rookie season. 

Specialists

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 31: Kicker Ryan Succop #6 of the Kansas City Chiefs kicks a field goal in overtime to win the game against the Buffalo Bills on October 31, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Image

1. Ryan Succop

Succop has connected on 81.8 percent of his kicks in two NFL seasons.

2. Zoltan Mesko

Mesko averaged 43.2 yards per punt in his rookie season, and just 25 of his 58 punts were returned.

3. Tim Masthay

I'm not sure he makes this list without his play in two late-season games vs. Devin Hester and the Chicago Bears.

4. Pat McAfee

Drunken swimming or not, McAfee is still one of the better young punters in the NFL. 

5. Connor Barth

Barth connected on 23-of-28 field goals in 2010 for the Buccaneers. 

Returners

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 21: Percy Harvin #12 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball after making a catch against the Green Bay Packers at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 21, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty

1. Percy Harvin

Migraines and injuries kept Harvin off the receiver list, but there's no denying what he can do in the return game. He's had three touchdowns and eight returns of over 40 yards in two seasons.

2. Marc Mariani

I like what Mariani brings Tennessee in both return games. He brought a punt and kick back for a touchdown in 2010.

3. Jacoby Ford

Ford returned three kicks for scores in his rookie season, but his three fumbles hurt him. He's one of the more exciting players in the game.

4. LaRod Stephens-Howling

How many people outside of Arizona would know that Stephens-Howling has three kick returns for touchdowns in the past two seasons?

5. Brandon Tate

It was between Tate and Dez Bryant for the last spot on this list. While I think Bryant will ultimately take a firm spot in this top five, it's Tate for now. He took two kicks back for touchdowns last year.