Ranking the top 25 players under 25 entering the 2025 NFL season: Jayden Daniels, Penei Sewell and more

As NFL season previews take focus, a list of the top 25 players under age 25 (by Week 1 of 2025) highlights rising stars:

Penei Sewell (Lions OT): Retains his No. 1 spot after another dominant season, boasting a career 95.2 PFF run-blocking grade (second-best among OL since 2021). He leads all qualifying players with 4,773 snaps played since 2021.

Puka Nacua (Rams WR): The 2023 fifth-round rookie continued his explosive start, leading all players on this list in career PFF receiving grade (92.4) and yards per route run (2.92). Despite 2024 injuries, he ranked as the NFL’s most efficient receiver (92.6 receiving grade, 3.23 yards per route run).

Kyle Hamilton (Ravens S): A top-three safety in PFF grades (overall, coverage, or run defense) every season since 2022. His versatility includes 36 pressures and seven sacks as a pass-rusher.

Jayden Daniels (Commanders QB): 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year transformed Washington into NFC contenders, posting top-10 PFF overall and rushing grades. His 3+ PFF WAR ranked top-five league-wide.

Trent McDuffie (Chiefs CB): Transitioned from elite nickel (2023) to top-five outside cornerback (2024), earning the NFL’s highest CB grade since 2023 (89.7). His 89.4 career coverage grade ranks top-five among CBs.

Jared Verse (Rams DE): 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year led the NFL with 89 pressures. His 0.42 PFF WAR ranked fifth among edge rushers, alongside stars like Myles Garrett, supported by a top-10 pass-rush grade and 19.7% win rate.

Will Anderson Jr. (Texans DE): Improved on his 2023 DROY campaign with a top-10 PFF grade (88.8) and 14.5 sacks in 2024. His run defense also surged, earning a career-high 81.1 PFF run-defense grade.

Brian Branch (Lions DB): Ranks second among safeties on this list (behind Hamilton) with an 84.3 PFF coverage grade. Excelled as a hybrid nickel/safety in Detroit’s defense, earning top-15 PFF grades in both seasons.

Bijan Robinson (Falcons RB): Topped RB performances with a 92.8 PFF rushing grade in 2024, trailing only Derrick Henry. His breakout season solidified him as the premier young running back.