Offensive tackle Penei Sewell leads five Detroit Lions who are on Pro Football Focus’ top players under 25 list.
The fact that Detroit players make up 20 percent of the list is further proof that they have been one of the NFL’s most effective teams in drafting and developing young players over the last three years.
Joining Sewell, who is the top-ranked player, are EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
An excerpt from what was written about Sewell reads: “His 3,359 regular-season snaps over the past three seasons rank second among all players, and he is on his way to becoming the best offensive lineman in the league.”
Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension earlier in the offseason.
Hutchinson is ranked No. 6.
Part of his comment reads: “Hutchinson flashed potential in his rookie season in 2022, but he brought his game to a whole new level in 2023. His 91.2 PFF pass-rushing grade placed fifth and trailed only an elite group of four players: Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, Nick Bosa and T.J. Watt.”
St. Brown, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension, is at No. 11.
An excerpt of his comments is: “He was one of just three wide receivers to earn PFF overall grades above 90.0 in both 2022 and 2023, with Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson being the other two.”
LaPorta is No. 19.
Here is a portion of the tight end’s comment: “His 981 regular-season snaps as a rookie led all tight ends over the past six seasons by a significant margin. In addition, his overall and receiving grades are second to only Kyle Pitts’ rookie season over that span.”
Gibbs is No. 21.
A portion of Gibbs’ comment is: “Following Week 7 — after his return from injury — he earned a 78.0 PFF overall grade, which ranked 11th among running backs, while his 82.0 rushing grade tied for seventh at the position.”