The NFL is racked with talent, from Aaron Rodgers to Tom Brady. Antonio Brown ranks among the top at the receiver position, while guys like JJ Watt still invoke fear into teams on the defensive end. There is no question that the league is full of talented players currently in their prime. However, the future is also VERY bright for the NFL as new talent comes in on a regular basis, this list takes a close look at players set to carry the torch from the game's elite once they walk away or father time catches up with them, whichever comes first. Here is a look at the NFL's 25 and younger offensive team.
Wentz just squeaks onto the list as he will be 26 in December. However, there is no denying the talent that the Eagles expected when they traded up for the 2nd overall pick in 2016. Wentz would have been without a doubt the league MVP before tearing his ACL and LCL late in the season. Being a Huge part of the Eagles' Superbowl run, Wentz looks poised to carry the reigns from the like of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers if he can get back on the field in top shape.
Clear cut the best player on the Dallas Cowboys, Elliott has shown his value to Dallas when he's on or off the field. Elliott just beats out Rams RB Todd Gurley just on the simple fact that without him the Cowboys went completely in the tank, while missing 6 games in the season due to suspension, Elliott's presence was surely missed. Take into account that he was 17 yards shy of 1,000 even with the missed games, you have to wonder what he would have done with the time that he missed. Look for Elliott to try and secure his place as the best back in football for the foreseeable future.
Yet another player that by this time next year won't be eligible for this list. Beckham will turn 26 by mid-season but with his already outstanding resume and accomplishments it is no secret why he tops the list as the best receiver on it. Beckham was sidelined due to injury this year but looks to bounce back and continue his phenomenal play, he is a human highlight reel and will undoubtedly continue to impress when he returns.
Yes believe it or not, Hopkins is still only 25 years old, and what makes it better is that technically he will still be when the official league year starts in a couple of weeks. Hopkins has solidified himself as a top 5 receiver in the NFL and has done so with marginal to borderline absent quarterback play (see Brock Osweiler). Hopkins turns 26 in June but is only really entering the prime of his career. Nice time to do so also when you have a returning DeShaun Watson set to be under center, looks like Houston may have found themselves a nice combo for the next decade.
Ok, now looking at his numbers Henry doesn't pop out at you as a player that belongs on this list, however two things are certain. 1, He may be the only eligible player at this position that fits this criteria, and 2, this can actually be a scenario where numbers lie. So far there is only one player on this list that shares reps with a future hall of famer, and that's Henry. While his numbers don't stand out, when you watch the LA Chargers you quickly notice that besides Keenan Allen there is only one player that Philip Rivers trust to come up with a big play and that is the 23 year old TE. Good hands, nice route runner and very good with the run after the catch, with Gates firmly out the door now is when we will see exactly what the 6'6'' 249 pounder is made of.
Stanley was part of the 2016 draft class and was among a group of young players that came into the league and immediately made an impact for their respective teams. Stanley didn't just come in and get the job because he was a high draft pick, but because of his work ethic and intense camp he flat out won the job without much effort. Stanley displays the range needed in pass protection and great foot/handwork to drive well in the run game. While dealing with many different setbacks and nagging injuries in 2017, Stanley demonstrated the technique needed to contain and dominate at his position despite not being at full strength.
The 2016 1st round pick as already been named an first team all pro and that came in his rookie year. With the style of play that the Titans liked to run with QB Marcus Mariota, Conklin came in and became a great asset on a line that needed the help. To be honest, there isn't much that Conklin can't do. He possess the footwork that allows him to beat defender on the edge; He has the hands that allows him to move defenders wherever he wants in both the run and pass game. When you examine his game closely, Conklin just doesn't get beat, he knows how to demonstrate technique and he is already elite at using his leverage. Conklin looks to take the crown as the best Tackle in football for years to come very soon.
When one of your main responsibilities is protecting the greatest quarterback of all time, it is essential that you excel at your job, especially in New England where the lifespan of a player's career is limited if he doesn't perform up to the standards of coach Belichick. Mason has fallen into the right system under the right guy, learning and expanding his craft under offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. Mason came out of Georgia Tech has an elite run blocker and has come along fantastic in the pass game and has already become one of the better all around guards in the game.
Rated a top 5 run blocker by PFF, Marpet is an unknown name by the casual fan but many who follow the Bucs understand how important he is to the development of QB Jameis Winston. While Marpet excels at run blocking he has gotten significantly better at pass blocking. Still only 24, his ceiling seems to be only limited by injury, look for him to continue to take the steps forward to that potential elite level.
Production wise, there isn't a center in football under the age of 25 that puts together the production that Whitehair does. The 2016 draft pick is a bright spot on what is a somewhat suspect offensive line for the Bears. Whitehair ranked as the 6th best center in football as a rookie by PFF. He is already a great pass blocker as a center and is combining his good technique along with his physical ability to give him an edge as a run blocker. The Bears have their QB of the future and it is important that they have the foundation in place to protect him. Whitehair is set to be one of the best linemen to come for the next decade barring injury.
