NFL 2011 Preview: The Top 5 Players Age 25 or Under on Each NFL Team
Youth Movement: The Top 5 NFL Players Age 25 or Under on Each Team
There's just something about young players in the National Football League.
Whether it's that the NFL has become a "young man's game" or the enormous potential of said players to become the game's next stars, just about everyone is enamored with the NFL's younger generation.
They also make for great debate, as you never know which players could blossom into the next Hall of Famer. Even if they don't, they'll likely be the building blocks of each and every NFL team.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the top five players on each NFL team aged 25 or younger. Your team's next time-honored legend could be among them.
(Note: No rookies were included in this list. While there is a case that many are among the best on their respective teams, it's unfair to judge them without seeing any NFL action.)
Buffalo Bills
1 of 32
S Jairus Byrd (23)
He's picked off 10 passes in two years, including nine his rookie season. Bryd was a much more willing tackler as well in year two.
WR Steve Johnson (24)
Forget about his drops against the Steelers—Johnson is an up-and-coming receiver in the NFL. He caught 82 passes for 1,073 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010.
CB Leodis McKelvin (25)
McKelvin put together a full 2010 season after missing 13 games in '09. He's a tremendous athlete, but I'm not sure he'll ever live up to the No. 11 overall selection he was in '08.
RB C.J. Spiller (23)
His rookie season was obviously a disappointment, but Spiller still has all the tools necessary to be a game-changer on offense and special teams. I'd expect a much more accurate assessment of him after 2011.
S Donte Whitner (25)
He's a free agent this offseason, and the Bills should be active in re-signing him. Whitner is good in run support, recording 140 tackles from the safety position in 2010.
Miami Dolphins
2 of 32
CB Vontae Davis (23)
He's one of the more physical corners in the game and has improved every season he's been in the NFL. Not the fastest guy in coverage, but Davis has the instincts to make up for it most times.
LB Koa Misi (24)
Misi was equally solid against both the pass and run in his rookie season. While I'd like to see him be more of a pass rusher in year two, he's a solid overall player.
QB Chad Henne (25)
It pains me to have Henne on this list, as he's currently in the lower third of starting quarterbacks in the NFL. 2011 is a huge year for his career in this league.
WR Davone Bess (25)
He's the best slot receiver you've never heard of. Bess has over 200 catches in his first three years, and all he does is move the chains for the Dolphins offense.
DL Kendall Langford (25)
Langford came into the league as a third-rounder in 2008, then proceeded to start all 48 games during his first three seasons. He's one of the Dolphins' better defenders against the run.
New England Patriots
3 of 32
TE Rob Gronkowski (22)
He won't ever get the same amount of looks, but Gronkowski is a very similar player to Jason Witten. He holds up at the line of scrimmage and also caught 10 touchdown passes as a rookie.
TE Aaron Hernandez (21)
You want a fantasy sleeper at tight end? Here he is. I could see Hernandez having a monster 2011 season in New England's offense.
CB Devin McCourty (23)
McCourty intercepted seven passes in his rookie season and defended 17 more. He's a top-15 NFL cornerback already.
LB Jerod Mayo (25)
Mayo led the NFL in tackles with 175 last season, and he had 10 games with 10 or more stops. He should be the leader of this young defense for the foreseeable future.
S Patrick Chung (23)
Chung is a solid tackler (93 in 2010) and makes plays at the backend of the Patriots defense. His performance against the Dolphins early last season stands out.
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New York Jets
4 of 32
G Vladimir Ducasse (23)
The Jets' second-round pick in 2010 only played in two games his rookie season but figures to factor in along their offensive line eventually.
RB Shonn Greene (25)
The coaching staff recently pegged him as the starting running back heading into next season. He should rush for over 1,000 yards if he gets the touches.
CB Darelle Revis (25)
He and Nnamdi Asomugha are undoubtedly the best corners in the game. The scary part for Revis is he's still only 25.
QB Mark Sanchez (24)
Leading any team to the AFC Championship game in your first two years is a big accomplishment. Sanchez needs to keep improving to get the Jets over the hump, however.
CB Kyle Wilson (24)
While he didn't have the impact you'd expect of a first-rounder, Wilson played in all 16 games and should make a big jump going into next season.
Baltimore Ravens
5 of 32
OT Michael Oher (25)
His Hollywood story has given him more attention than most offensive tackles get, but Oher is still an above-average NFL bookend.
RB Ray Rice (24)
While he gets lost with all the really good NFL running backs, Rice has quietly put together back-to-back 1,200-yard season. And don't forget—he's also had over 60 catches in consecutive seasons.
CB Lardarius Webb (25)
He's only intercepted two passes in two NFL seasons, but Webb is the Ravens' best cover man. He also contributes in the return game.
OT Jared Gaither (25)
Gaither is a free agent this offseason, and it's not for certain that he'll be back in Baltimore. Still, Gaither has the potential to get better and makes a good tandem with Oher.
TE Ed Dickson (23)
As Todd Heap gets older, Dickson should see more opportunities to impact games. He's a good athlete for his size and can be a mismatch for defenses.
Cincinnati Bengals
6 of 32
DE Carlos Dunlap (22)
Dunlap contributed 9.5 sacks during his rookie year in Cincinnati while missing four games early on. He could be a annual 10-sack guy moving forward.
TE Jermaine Gresham (22)
He played well in his first season back from an ACL injury he suffered in college. As the strength in his knee continues to build, Gresham will be once again be an explosive target.
LB Rey Maualuga (24)
He plays with a nasty streak and isn't afraid to put his helmet on your chin, but Maualuga lacks explosiveness. Even so, he beats better players with effort and toughness.
LB Keith Rivers (25)
Rivers is versatile and a tremendous athlete, but the big plays have been lacking from his game. I'd peg him as a player who could have a breakout 2011 season.
WR Jordan Shipley (25)
With the shakeup of the Bengals' offense, Shipley could see himself in a much bigger role next season. But even as the third or fourth option in 2010, Shipley still caught 52 passes.
Cleveland Browns
7 of 32
CB Joe Haden (22)
Everyone was worried about his combine numbers pre-2010 draft, but the Browns got a really good corner by ignoring the workout and focusing on his college tape. He's a shut-down type guy in the near future.
RB Peyton Hillis (25)
It's hard to believe that the Browns swung disappointing quarterback Brady Quinn for Hillis, who is a human battering ram at running back. His 11 rushing touchdowns in 2010 helped put him on the cover of Madden '12.
C Alex Mack (25)
Mack is the kind of consistent and heady center that every NFL team wants anchoring their offensive line.
S T.J. Ward (24)
He was a tackling machine (123 total) during his rookie season, excelling at making plays near the line of scrimmage. He'll only get better at covering up mistakes by the secondary.
QB Colt McCoy (24)
McCoy led the Browns to big wins over the Patriots and Saints, but he wasn't much more than a care-taker in those contests. He'll need to keep getting better to turn the Browns into contenders.
Pittsburgh Steelers
8 of 32
DE Ziggy Hood (24)
Hood is another solid player in the Steelers talented defensive line rotation, and he's slowly taken on more responsibility as he's gotten older.
RB Rashard Mendenhall (23)
After Ray Lewis messed his shoulder up during his rookie season, Mendenhall put together two straight 1,000-yard seasons. He's the kind of tough runner that is perfect for Pittsburgh's offense.
C Maurkice Pouncey (21)
There was a reason that everyone made such a big deal about Pouncey missing the Super Bowl. As a rookie, Pouncey was one of the better centers in the game last season.
WR Mike Wallace (24)
Wallace is an explosive offensive weapon and an ideal complement to Hines Ward. He averaged a ridiculous 21 per catch in 2010 with 10 touchdowns.
WR Emmanuel Sanders (24)
He wasn't a big-time contributor during the regular season (28 catches), but Ben Roethlisberger seemed comfortable with Sanders in big situations during the playoffs. He could take on a bigger role as Ward ages as well.
Houston Texans
9 of 32
LB Brian Cushing (24)
His suspension last season hurt what was promising start to his NFL career. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year could come back to life next year in the Texans' new 3-4 defense.
RB Arian Foster (24)
The 2010 rushing champion burst onto the scene with 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns. Foster only had four games last season with less than 70 yards rushing.
CB Kareem Jackson (23)
He had a stupid offseason moment, but Jackson needs to make a big jump in year two. Houston is a secondary away from being a serious contender in the AFC.
LB Connor Barwin (24)
His sophomore season was cut dreadfully short due to an injury, but Barwin did have 3.5 sacks his rookie season. He should be able to match that as a rush linebacker under Wade Phillips in 2011.
OT Duane Brown (25)
The Texans 2008 first-rounder missed the first four games of his career last season with a knee injury, but Brown has otherwise been a steady left tackle for Houston. He's more of a finesse player but possesses elite athleticism.
Indianapolis Colts
10 of 32
WR Pierre Garcon (24)
In just three years in the NFL, Garcon has made huge improvements in both route running and the overall feel he has for the receiver position. 2011 could be the first year he cracks 1,000 yards in the Colts offense.
RB Donald Brown (24)
Despite catching only 31 passes in two seasons, Brown is one of the better third down backs in the game. He's a fine blocker who has also slowly taken away carries from the Colts No. 1 back, Joseph Addai.
LB Pat Angerer (24)
He's got the perfect name for a linebacker, and he's the perfect type of player for the Colts defense. Both smart and tough, Angerer will be a mainstay in Indy's front seven.
CB Jerraud Powers (23)
While Powers is undersized and has battled some injury issues, he's an underrated cover man for the Colts. With a full season in 2011, Powers could show us what he can really accomplish.
WR Austin Collie (25)
Concussions can take their toll on players, and it'll be interesting to see how Collie bounces back from his. If he successfully does come back, however, he's a solid slot receiver for Peyton Manning.
Jacksonville Jaguars
11 of 32
OT Eben Britton (23)
A shoulder injury sidelined him for most of 2010, but Britton has the frame and wingspan most teams covet in an offensive tackle.
DT Tyson Alualu (24)
Remember when the Jaguars took so much heat for selecting Alualu so high last April? He proved those critics wrong in putting together a solid rookie campaign (3.5 sacks).
DT Terrence Knighton (24)
Knighton has slowly established himself as one of the Jaguars' playmaker on the defensive line. He has 5.5 sacks in 32 career games.
OT Eugene Monroe (24)
With both Britton and Monroe, the Jaguars could be set at offensive tackle for the next decade. Like Britton, Monroe also has a solid frame and the athleticism to hold down the left tackle spot.
WR Mike Thomas (25)
Thomas is far from elite in any physical category but is solid in most aspects of receiver play. He could jump up into the 1,000-yard range as the Jaguars likely No. 1 receiver in 2011.
Tennessee Titans
12 of 32
WR Kenny Britt (22)
His 2010 stats were somewhat inflated because of a 225-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Eagles, but Britt has all the makings of a big-time NFL receiver. Once Tennessee gets some consistent quarterback play, Britt is going to take off.
RB Chris Johnson (25)
There's not much to say about Johnson that you don't already know. He's the top home-run threat in the NFL and has already rushed for over 4,500 yards in three seasons.
CB Alterraun Verner (22)
Verner had an impressive rookie season, tallying over 100 tackles with three interceptions. He should be a mainstay in the Titans' defense.
KR/PR Marc Mariani (23)
While he hasn't added anything as a receiver, Mariani is a weapon as a returner. In his rookie season, Mariani provided the Titans with two returns—one punt and one kick—for touchdowns.
CB Jason McCourty (23)
He's not in his brother's range skill-wise, but McCourty gives Tennessee a solid No. 3 cornerback with the potential to some day start. He intercepted two passes in 2010.
Denver Broncos
13 of 32
G Zane Beadles (24)
Beadles was an All-Rookie team performer last season at guard for the Broncos.
OT Ryan Clady (24)
Without a doubt, Clady is the best tackle in the game age 25 or younger.
RB Knowshon Moreno (23)
It'd be hard to label Moreno as anything more than a disappointment at this point, but he's still got time to make amends. Denver should also be focusing more on the running game in 2011.
QB Tim Tebow (23)
He made strides during his first year in the NFL, but Tebow still has a long ways to go before he's even an average quarterback in this league. I'd still never count out Tebow in any endeavor he takes on, however.
WR Eddie Royal (25)
After catching 91 passes during his rookie season in 2008, Royal only produced 96 over his next two. Even so, he's a solid slot guy who should still be able to grab around 50 balls a season in his role.
Kansas City Chiefs
14 of 32
RB Jamaal Charles (24)
A Chris Johnson clone who should begin elevating himself into the talk of the best NFL running backs with more touches next season.
S Eric Berry (22)
Berry is already one of the top-five NFL safeties, and I'd expect him to climb up that list in coming seasons. He's got the power to hit you and the speed to cover you.
CB Brandon Flowers (25)
Flowers is one of the better young corners in the game who no one talks about. He's physical in run support and should eventually cash in on more turnovers as he progresses.
G Jon Asamoah (22)
The Chiefs have an abundance of young talent, but I couldn't have a top list without including Asamoah. He was a big part of Kansas City's top ranked rushing attack as a rookie in 2010.
DL Glenn Dorsey (25)
Again, there was a number of players who could lay claim to this spot, including Tony Moeaki and Dexter McCluster. But Dorsey is starting to become the dominant player many thought he'd be coming out of college.
Oakland Raiders
15 of 32
RB Darren McFadden (23)
If I was going to put together a prototypical NFL running back, he'd probably look a lot like McFadden. He's tough, can run and has the vision to make the smallest seams into big lanes.
WR/KR Jacoby Ford (23)
It'd be hard to argue that Ford wasn't among the most exciting players in the game last season, even as a rookie. I'm not sure if he'll ever be a star, but Ford will certainly be able to contribute to the Raiders success.
DE Matt Shaughnessy (24)
I might be more biased towards Shaughnessy since I saw watched him close up in college for four years. Still, he seems like a natural NFL pass-rusher, and I'd be willing to bet he posts 10 sacks if he plays 16 games in 2011.
TE Zach Miller (25)
It's somewhat surprising that Miller is just 25 years old, as 2011 will be his fifth year in the league. He's a lock for at least 60 catches if he plays an entire season.
LB Rolando McClain (21)
Eighty-five tackles and an interception isn't a bad year for a linebacker, but you should expect more out of McClain in 2011. He'll be the heart of that defense for a next decade.
San Diego Chargers
16 of 32
CB Antoine Cason (24)
Cason has played in all 48 games of his NFL career, and he's had at least two interceptions in each season. He has the ball skills to add to his four picks from a year ago.
RB Ryan Mathews (23)
Injuries kept Mathews from realizing his potential during his rookie season, but the future is still bright. Once he becomes more comfortable, Mathews should be in line for a 1,000-yard rushing season.
RB Mike Tolbert (25)
Mathews' injuries opened the door for Tolbert, and he answered with 11 touchdowns and 735 yards in 2010. He's probably best suited for short-yardage situations, however and not the lead role.
LB Larry English (25)
2011 is a big year for English. He was disappointing in his rookie season and only played in eight games in 2010. The Chargers need him to be a pass-rushing threat.
Brandon Siler (25)
He's been a spotty starter, but Siler shows the kind of effort and toughness necessary to be a full-time player.
Dallas Cowboys
17 of 32
RB Felix Jones (24)
Can Jones ever be a 25-carry a game running back? Probably not. But give him 10-15 touches, and Jones is going to make plays every week.
WR Dez Bryant (22)
I wish Bryant was a more mature player, because he could absolutely dominant the league with his skill set. If he gets his head on straight, he'll be that kind of guy for Dallas.
CB Bryan McCann (23)
His speed is extraordinary, and he made a few big plays for the Cowboys last season, but he needs to become a more consistent defensive player.
LB Sean Lee (24)
He saw spot-time in 2010 as a rookie, but Dallas might expect him to be a bigger contributor next season.
CB Orlando Scandrick (24)
Scandrick has the aggression to make tackles in the open-field and the toughness to match up against bigger receivers. Still, he was a part of a bad secondary in 2010.
New York Giants
18 of 32
Ahmad Bradshaw (25)
He might not be back with the Giants in 2011, but Bradshaw had himself a productive 2010 season. He rushed for 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns and also caught 47 passes.
Jonathan Goff (25)
While he contributed 80 tackles in 2010, the Giants expect more out of the former fifth-round pick in 2008. He needs to prove that a linebacker spot should be his in New York next year.
Mario Manningham (25)
Manningham has put together back-to-back solid seasons in '09 and '10, catching over 55 passes and 800 yards in both years. Last season he had a career high nine touchdown catches.
Hakeem Nicks (23)
Despite missing three games in 2010, Nicks still caught 79 passes for 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns. If he stays healthy for a full season, he should be a top-10 receiver statistically.
Jason Pierre-Paul (22)
He's an athletic specimen, but Pierre-Paul is also buried behind a deep defensive line in New York. If he gets the opportunity, Pierre-Paul could be a 10- to 12-sack per year player.
Philadelphia Eagles
19 of 32
RB LeSean McCoy (22)
Is McCoy the most important player in Philadelphia not named Michael Vick? I'd say yes. He was fourth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage last season.
WR DeSean Jackson (24)
There's a pretty good case for Jackson being the most electric receiver in the NFL. He's a threat to score on offense or special teams.
WR Jeremy Maclin (23)
In just his second season, Maclin posted 10 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards receiving. With Jackson opposite of him, Maclin will continue to get plenty of favorable opportunities.
DE Brandon Graham (23)
He only tallied three sacks in 13 games last season, but Graham has the ability to be a game-changer for Philly's defense. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he closed in on 10 sacks next year.
S Nate Allen (23)
Losing Allen last season was a big blow for the Eagles' defense. He'll join Jaiquawn Jarrett in a young but talented safety duo in 2011.
Washington Redskins
20 of 32
Fred Davis (25)
Chris Cooley is the clear No. 1 tight end in Washington, but Davis has the talent of a starter. If the Redskins had a better quarterback, he'd likely improve on his 2010 totals (21 catches, 316 yards, three touchdowns).
Brian Orakpo (24)
Orakpo has 19.5 sacks over his first two seasons, and that's without a good rusher opposite him. If Ryan Kerrigan can add something on the other side, Orakpo should have a big 2011 season.
Ryan Torain (24)
As the Redskins' lead back in 10 games last season, Torain rushed for 742 yards and four touchdowns. He's a tough runner who's hard to bring down on first contact.
Trent Williams (22)
Williams appeared in 14 games during his rookie season, and he looks like the long-term option at one tackle position.
Brandon Banks (23)
The Redskins' small (5'7", 150 pounds) return man totaled nearly 1,600 combined yards on kicks and punts in 2010, including one punt return for a touchdown.
Chicago Bears
21 of 32
Matt Forte (25)
Forte rushed for over 1,000 yards on just 237 attempts in 2010 and also caught 51 passes for 547 yards. He's a solid all-around back for the Bears.
Johnny Knox (24)
Knox averaged 18.8 yards per catch last season, which was good for 960 yards on only 51 grabs. If the Bears could get a bigger receiver to play opposite of him, Knox would be even more effective.
D.J. Moore (24)
Moore made several big plays for the Bears in 2010, including a two-interception performance against the Cowboys.
J'Marcus Webb (22)
On a disappointing offensive line, Webb was clearly one of the shining points. His development from a seventh-round selection was imperative to the Bears making it as far as they did.
Earl Bennett (24)
Could Bennett be that bigger receiver to play with Knox? Bears fans tried to get that answer all of last season, but Bennett never really took the job by storm. He still caught 46 passes for 561 yards.
Detroit Lions
22 of 32
Ndamukong Suh (24)
With another season like 2010, Suh could become the most dominant interior defender in football. There's not much else to say about a guy who's as good as Suh.
Jahvid Best (22)
Turf toe held down Best for periods during his rookie season, but he still gave the Lions over 1,000 yards in total offense. He should be better next season with a healed toe and help in the backfield.
Louis Delmas (24)
The leader of the Lions' secondary needs to keep progressing for Detroit to become serious contenders. He can help erase mistakes that lesser-quality cornerbacks might make in their defense.
Calvin Johnson (25)
One of the most physically dominant receivers maybe ever, Johnson could be on track for an even bigger 2011 season. But that only happens if the guy listed next can stay healthy.
Matthew Stafford (23)
Stafford has been injury-prone to start his NFL career, and that's a worrisome start for a guy with as much talent as he has. If he stays on the field for 16 games, the Lions offense is going to be a good one.
Green Bay Packers
23 of 32
Jermichael Finley (24)
Finley is Calvin Johnson but at the tight end position. I'm convinced that if Finley stays healthy for a full season, there will be no doubt who the top tight end in football is.
Clay Matthews (25)
In just his second season, Matthews established himself as one of the top five pass-rushers in the NFL. If the Packers can help take away some of the double and triple teams he saw so often in 2010, Matthews will be an annual 15-sack player.
B.J. Raji (24)
The anchor of the Packers' 3-4 was just as important a draft pick in '09 as Matthews was. And while his career got off to a slow start, Raji showed flashes of being an interior pass rusher late last season.
Josh Sitton (25)
He's never been to the Pro Bowl or named to an All-Pro team, but Sitton is right there in the discussion of best guards in the NFL. Another full season should see his name included in both lists next year.
Sam Shields (23)
An undrafted free agent last season, Shields burst onto the scene as the Packers' nickelback. His two interceptions in the NFC Championship game were game-changers.
Minnesota Vikings
24 of 32
WR Percy Harvin (23)
If the migraines ever go away, there's no doubt that Harvin will be one of the better slot receivers and returners in the NFL. He's fast, hard to bring down and has sure hands.
OT Phil Loadholt (25)
Loadholt was a part of the Vikings' problem on the offensive line last season, but he's shown that he can be a good offensive tackle in the past.
WR Sidney Rice (24)
Rice is one of the better jump-ball receivers in the NFL, and his 2009 season is a testament of how good he can be over a full season. His hip injury and free agent status must worry Vikings fans, however.
C John Sullivan (24)
There were others I considered here, but I still like what Sullivan can do moving forward. He's tough and intelligent but obviously needs to improve in certain areas as well.
RB Toby Gerhart (24)
I think people questioned the Vikings bringing in Gerhart to backup Adrian Peterson, but I thought he was fine in the role Minnesota gave him. He's a strong, tough runner who can help wear down defenses.
Atlanta Falcons
25 of 32
Kroy Biermann (25)
Biermann reminds me a little bit of Aaron Kampman. He uses his motor to get the quarterback and disrupt plays in the running game.
S Thomas DeCoud (25)
DeCoud is a solid all-around safety who doesn't excel at any one area but provides the Falcons with a steady player at the back end of their defense.
LB Curtis Lofton (25)
He often gets overlooked in terms of middle linebackers, but Lofton had 118 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2010. He more than anyone has helped solidify the Falcons' defense.
S William Moore (25)
After missing almost all of his rookie season, Moore came on in his sophomore campaign with five interceptions and 72 tackles. He and DeCoud make up a solid tandem at the back for Atlanta.
KR/PR Eric Weems (25)
Besides Devin Hester, there was likely no other returner in football who swung so many games for his team than Weems. He returned both a punt and kick for touchdowns in 2010.
Carolina Panthers
26 of 32
CB Captain Munnerlyn (23)
I've liked him since his days at South Carolina, and Munnerlyn had a productive 2010 with three interceptions and 45 tackles. His playing time only increased as the season progressed.
OT Jeff Otah (24)
Otah is a massive tackle, weighing 335 pounds while standing 6'6". His size helps him in both the pass and run game, but he also struggles when he doesn't get his frame low enough.
RB Jonathan Stewart (24)
As one-half of the Panthers impressive running back duo, Stewart rushed for nearly 2,800 yards in three seasons. He could be a 1,200-yard, 10-touchdown guy as the primary ball carrier moving forward.
DE Charles Johnson (24)
Johnson broke out last season, recording 11.5 sacks in his contract year. After losing Julius Peppers last summer, Carolina needs to make sure they don't let another pass rusher get away from them this offseason.
WR Brandon LaFell (24)
The Panthers didn't have much behind Steve Smith a year ago, but LaFell was arguably the best of the bunch. He caught 38 passes for 468 yards in 2010.
New Orleans Saints
27 of 32
DT Sedrick Ellis (24)
Eliis had six sacks for the Saints in 2010, a relatively high number for an interior defensive lineman. Bringing on Shaun Rogers should only help Ellis improve on that number next season.
S Malcolm Jenkins (23)
Jenkins successfully made the switch to safety, giving New Orleans 64 tackles and two interceptions last season. As he continues to learn the position, I'd expect Jenkins to make more and more big plays.
CB Tracy Porter (24)
Everyone will always remember his pick-six to seal the Super Bowl for the Saints in 2009, and rightfully so. His speed and length makes him a tough matchup for receivers.
TE Jimmy Graham (24)
Graham is another basketball player turned NFL tight end, and he has to be a candidate for a breakout 2011 season. He'll make big plays for the Saints offense next year.
RB Chris Ivory (23)
He's obviously going to lose the majority of his touches in 2011, but there's no doubting that Ivory has the talent to make an impact on an NFL roster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
28 of 32
QB Josh Freeman (23)
Freeman is the best quarterback in the NFL under 25, and he's the main reason why the Buccaneers will be playoff contenders for the foreseeable future. Even his most harsh critics would label him as a younger, more athletic Ben Roethlisberger.
RB LeGarrette Blount (24)
He got over his fiasco at Oregon and successfully made a big impact on Tampa Bay's running game in 2010. Blount is a load to bring down, and he rushed for over 1,000 yards in just 13 games.
DT Gerald McCoy (23)
He's not as good as Ndamukong Suh, but that isn't the point. McCoy is talented in his own right and will be a big part of whether the Bucs defense is good enough to make the playoffs next season.
WR Mike Williams (24)
There's something about the way Williams plays that just gravitates viewers to him. The 2010 fourth rounder caught 11 touchdowns and had over 900 yards receiving.
CB Aqib Talib (25)
Despite his legal troubles, Talib is too talented to leave off this list. He'd be a huge loss to the Bucs' playoff chances if he's released or suspended.
Arizona Cardiinals
29 of 32
DE Calais Campbell (24)
At 6'8", 300 pounds, Campbell is one of the bigger defensive ends you'll see in the NFL. He also posted six sacks in 2010 and has 13 in three seasons.
RB Tim Hightower (25)
Hightower is a free agent, and the drafting of Ryan Williams doesn't look good for his chances to be back. Still, Hightower is a valuable third down guy and has arguably been Arizona's most productive running back recently.
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (25)
DRC is getting some help opposite of him in rookie Patrick Peterson, and I think that could mean an even better performance from him in 2011. He also uses his big frame to his advantage in coverage.
RB Beanie Wells (22)
The drafting of Williams was more of a referendum on Wells than anything. He only managed 397 yards in 2010 while fighting through injuries.
DT Dan Williams (24)
The Cardinals' 2010 first-round pick had a steady but unspectacular rookie season. Arizona would be thrilled if he provided more of a pass rush in 2011.
St. Louis Rams
30 of 32
QB Sam Bradford (23)
Bradford validated his No. 1 overall selection in 2010 with a solid rookie season that saw the Rams fall one win short of the playoffs. He'll be the reason why St. Louis is picked to be win the NFC West in 2011.
LB James Laurinaitis (24)
Laurinaitis has started all 32 games of his NFL career, and he's provided St. Louis with 234 total tackles in the process. If he stays healthy, he'll finish 2011 with another 100-tackle season.
OT Rodger Saffold (23)
Saffold, a second-round pick in 2010, was arguably the best rookie offensive tackle in the NFL last season. He'll be protecting Bradford for years to come.
OT Jason Smith (25)
Smith was also a big part of Bradford's protection squad last season. He held down the right side, a spot he's better suited for.
WR Danny Amendola (25)
Amendola did his best Wes Welker impression in 2010, catching 85 passes in a slot role for the Rams. 8.1 yards per catch isn't impressive, but he should be used better with Josh McDaniels running the Rams' offense.
San Francisco 49ers
31 of 32
WR Michael Crabtree (23)
I hate that he's another diva receiver, but Crabtree has the talent to be a big-time performer. Once the 49ers get consistent play at quarterback, Crabtree will prove that.
OT Anthony Davis (21)
The 49ers took Davis high in the 2010 draft, and he looks like he should be a starter at either tackle position for awhile.
G Mike Iupati (24)
He's a mauler in the running game, and you have to love that kind of nasty streak he brings to an offensive line. Any team would want a player like Iupati in the interior of their line.
S Taylor Mays (23)
He's got as much athletic and physical talent as anyone in football, but will he ever put it all together? If he does, Mays will be a scary defensive player.
WR Josh Morgan (25)
Morgan proved to be a fine complement in 2010, catching 44 passes for 698 yards as the 49ers No. 2 receiver. As any receiver would, Morgan needs better play from his quarterback to take the next step.
Seattle Seahawks
32 of 32
S Earl Thomas (22)
Berry is the headliner at safety from the 2010 rookie class, but Thomas isn't too far behind him. He can make plays in both the run and pass game.
LB Aaron Curry (25)
He won't ever live up to his pre-draft hype, but Curry is still a solid outside linebacker in the NFL. He needs to make more impact plays as he progresses, however.
RB Marshawn Lynch (25)
It's surprising that Lynch is still only 25, but he did give the Seahawks much-maligned running game a boost last season. And of course, he caused a small tremor in Seattle with his run against the Saints in the playoffs.
OT Russell Okung (23)
Okung is a guy who probably should have cracked my top five list for offensive tackles under 25. He's tough, big and agile.
C Max Unger (25)
Center might be the most overlooked position in the NFL, but there's a lot that can be said for teams that have tough and intelligent guys there. Unger is one of those players for the Seahawks.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
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.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")