If you want to be successful in the NFL, having young talent is key. Young players are not only closer to their athletic peaks, but they are also usually on their rookie contracts, which allows teams to allocate financial resources elsewhere. Here, we will discuss the NFL Defensive All-Under-25 First and Second Teams, using a 4-2-5 format with a slot corner. The only requirement is that these players must be under 25 years old at the start of the 2024 NFL season.
Starting with the First Team, we have Aidan Hutchinson, who had an impressive season with 51 combined tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 33 QB hits for the Detroit Lions. Will Anderson Jr., the No. 3 overall pick, made an impact with 45 combined tackles, seven sacks, and 22 QB hits, earning him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Jalen Carter and Alim McNeill showcased their skills on the defensive line, while Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Nick Bolton stood out at linebacker. The cornerback position was dominated by Sauce Gardner, Patrick Surtain II, and Trent McDuffie, while Kyle Hamilton and Jevon Holland shined at safety.
Moving on to the Second Team, players like Greg Rousseau, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Jordan Davis, and Bobby Brown III made their mark on the defensive line. Ivan Pace Jr. and Ernest Jones showed their talent at linebacker, while Devon Witherspoon, Derek Stingley Jr., and Asante Samuel Jr. held it down at cornerback. Talanoa Hufanga and Andre Cisco rounded out the Second Team at safety.
These young defensive talents are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming NFL season. With their combination of skill, athleticism, and potential, they are sure to be exciting to watch as they continue to develop and grow in the league. The future of NFL defense looks bright with these rising stars leading the way.