The Detroit Lions established themselves as serious contenders in the NFC during the 2023 season. The vision of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell is coming to fruition, transforming the previously struggling franchise.
Veteran quarterback Jared Goff, acquired in the Matthew Stafford trade, has performed exceptionally well. The team rewarded him with a significant contract extension. Goff has been a steady leader for a team brimming with young talent.
Consistently picking at the top of the NFL Draft, as the Lions did during their struggling years, is one thing. But successfully selecting and developing the right players is the real challenge, and the Lions have excelled in this area.
As a result, several Lions players feature prominently in PFF’s Top 25 Under 25 list. Offensive tackle Penei Sewell is ranked No. 1. Like Goff, Sewell received a substantial contract extension earlier this offseason.
Sewell, who turns 24 in September, already has three NFL seasons to his name. He is one of the league’s top offensive linemen, achieving a 92.8 overall PFF grade and a 95.1 run-blocking grade last season, both the highest in the NFL.
Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is ranked No. 6. For sustained success in the NFL, strong performance in the trenches is essential, and the Lions have built their team around stars on both sides of the ball.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown ranks No. 11. A fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the USC product is one of the league’s most productive offensive players. Discovering such talent on Day 3 of the draft helps elevate a team to contention quickly.
Like Goff and Sewell, St. Brown was rewarded with a substantial contract extension this offseason. He has matched the performance of superstars Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson over the past two seasons.
Tight end Sam LaPorta, another of Goff’s weapons, ranks No. 19. A second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, LaPorta had a record-setting rookie season. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, a first-round pick by the Lions, is ranked No. 21.
Having five players on the under-25 list is remarkable, the highest number of any NFL team. The Detroit Lions are poised for long-term success with a core of young players who have yet to reach their prime.
