Young Defensive Talent Shines in NFL: All Under 25 Defensive Teams Revealed
Defense has always been a key component of successful football teams, and having young defensive talent can be especially valuable. These players not only bring athleticism and skill to the field, but they also come at a more affordable price, allowing teams to allocate their salary cap resources more efficiently. Here, we dive into the NFL’s best young defensive talent and present the first and second defensive teams for players under 25 years old at the start of the 2023 season.
Leading the charge on the first team is Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys. Parsons, the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2022, he recorded an impressive 13.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. His versatility and impact on the field make him an indisputable choice for this team.
Aidan Hutchinson, the former No. 2 overall pick, is another standout player on the first team. The Detroit Lions defensive end impressed last season with 9.5 sacks, three interceptions, and a record-breaking performance in Week 11, where he registered 10 pressures. Hutchinson’s potential is sky-high, and with his remarkable rookie season, he has proved he can be a game-changer.
Alim McNeill, the “dancing bear” of the Lions, also secures a spot on the first team. Despite recording only one sack in 2022, McNeill demonstrated his ability to disrupt the opposing team’s offense with 10 pressures in a single game, a record for a defender over 320 pounds. McNeill’s physicality and knack for getting after the quarterback make him a player to watch in the upcoming seasons.
Rounding out the first team, we have Jordan Davis of the Philadelphia Eagles, Nick Bolton of the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Queen of the Baltimore Ravens, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah of the Cleveland Browns, Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets, and Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos. These young defenders have already made significant contributions to their respective teams and have the potential to become defensive stars in the future.
The second team is also filled with promising young talents, including Jaelan Phillips of the Miami Dolphins, Greg Rousseau of the Buffalo Bills, Ta’Quon Graham of the Atlanta Falcons, Milton Williams of the Philadelphia Eagles, Devin Lloyd of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pete Werner of the New Orleans Saints, Quay Walker of the Green Bay Packers, Tariq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks, Trevon Diggs of the Dallas Cowboys, Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens, and Jevon Holland of the Miami Dolphins.
These defensive players have demonstrated their skills and potential early in their careers. As they continue to develop and gain experience, they will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their teams’ success. The future looks bright for the NFL with such a talented pool of young defensive players who are poised to dominate the league in the coming years.