Five Rising Stars Shine Bright: Detroit Lions Have Most Players Named to PFF’s Prestigious Top Players Under 25 List

The Detroit Lions are building something special, and the rest of the NFL is taking notice. For years, the Lions were viewed as a rebuilding team, one that was perpetually caught in a cycle of false hope and underachievement. But those days are clearly behind them. Now, they’re not just winning games — they’re stacking accolades, developing stars, and assembling one of the youngest and most talented rosters in the league. That became even more evident when Pro Football Focus (PFF) released its latest rankings of the top 25 players under 25 years old heading into the 2025 NFL season.

In what can only be described as a ringing endorsement of Detroit’s player development and front office strategy, five Lions made the list — the most of any team in the league. It’s not just a sign of potential. It’s a statement of arrival. The Lions are not just preparing for a future window of contention — they’re already in it.

Headlining the group is Aidan Hutchinson, the face of Detroit’s defensive resurgence. Drafted No. 2 overall in 2022, Hutchinson has lived up to — and in some ways, exceeded — expectations. He’s become one of the league’s most disruptive edge rushers, constantly applying pressure and commanding double-teams. Hutchinson posted double-digit sacks in back-to-back seasons and has elevated his game with each passing week. His motor never stops, and his football IQ continues to impress both coaches and analysts alike. PFF ranked him inside the top 10 on their list, citing his elite pass rush win rate and his versatility in both base and sub-packages.

Then there’s Penei Sewell, the bulldozing right tackle who has become the heart of Detroit’s offensive line. While offensive linemen often go underappreciated in broader conversations, Sewell’s impact is impossible to ignore. A rare blend of size, athleticism, and technique, Sewell routinely neutralizes elite pass rushers while providing a dominant force in the run game. He’s not just playing well for a young tackle — he’s playing like an All-Pro, and he’s only 24 years old. In fact, PFF gave him one of the highest run-blocking grades in the NFL last season regardless of position, and he’s firmly in the conversation as the best right tackle in the game.

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown also earned a spot, and deservingly so. Despite being a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft, St. Brown has developed into one of the NFL’s most consistent and productive receivers. His elite route-running, dependable hands, and relentless work ethic have made him a favorite target for quarterback Jared Goff. St. Brown posted over 1,400 receiving yards last season and hauled in nine touchdowns. His ability to make contested catches, find soft spots in zone defenses, and move the chains in critical situations has made him invaluable to Detroit’s offense. PFF praised his advanced route tree and catch radius, ranking him among the best young receivers in the game.

Second-year tight end Sam LaPorta was another Lion to crack the list, and his inclusion shows just how quickly he’s become a difference-maker in the NFL. Drafted in the second round out of Iowa — a school known for producing elite tight ends — LaPorta didn’t take long to make his presence felt. He set the NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end, finishing the season with 86 catches, over 900 yards, and seven touchdowns. But it wasn’t just the volume — it was the timing. LaPorta routinely came up with clutch catches in high-leverage moments. Whether it was a third-down grab across the middle or a red-zone target in traffic, LaPorta earned the trust of his quarterback and coaching staff. PFF credited his strong route-running and his improving blocking skills, projecting him as a foundational piece for years to come.

Last but certainly not least, Brian Branch made the cut. The versatile defensive back was selected in the second round out of Alabama, and like LaPorta, he made an immediate impact. Branch played all over the field — as a nickel corner, safety, and even hybrid linebacker in sub-packages. His instincts, tackling ability, and ball skills stood out right away. He finished his rookie year with three interceptions, two sacks, and 70 total tackles — numbers that only begin to scratch the surface of his overall impact. PFF was particularly impressed by his coverage skills against both slot receivers and tight ends, giving him one of the best grades among rookie defensive backs.

Together, these five players form a core that any franchise would envy. But for Detroit, they’re not just contributors — they’re tone-setters. Each brings a unique skill set and a relentless mindset that has reshaped the culture of Lions football. No longer is Detroit a team clinging to veteran stopgaps or short-term fixes. This is a franchise built on youth, physicality, and long-term vision — a team constructed not just to compete, but to contend.

Perhaps just as significant as the players themselves is what their presence says about Detroit’s front office. General manager Brad Holmes has masterfully blended draft capital, scouting acumen, and player development into a sustainable model of success. Whether it was identifying value in later rounds (as with St. Brown and Branch) or hitting home runs with high draft picks (like Hutchinson and Sewell), Holmes has built a roster that’s both talented and balanced. It’s no coincidence that these five players all arrived in Detroit during his tenure.

Head coach Dan Campbell also deserves credit for fostering an environment where young players can thrive. Campbell’s tough, no-nonsense approach has resonated in Detroit, and his ability to connect with players on a personal level has helped accelerate their development. He’s not just coaching football — he’s building belief, and that belief is translating into results on the field.

What does this mean for the rest of the NFC? Simply put, the Lions are coming — and they’re not going away any time soon. With a nucleus of elite young talent, a front office that continues to draft well, and a coaching staff that knows how to maximize ability, Detroit is poised to be a contender for years to come. The five players recognized by PFF are just the beginning. Behind them is a wave of depth, discipline, and drive that few franchises can match.

Moreover, the Lions’ ability to retain and extend these foundational pieces will be crucial in determining their long-term trajectory. Hutchinson and Sewell are likely future cornerstones who could command massive second contracts. St. Brown is already one of the most productive receivers in football, and LaPorta and Branch are locked into team-friendly rookie deals for the foreseeable future. Detroit’s cap situation is solid, and with smart financial planning, the Lions could keep this core intact while continuing to add complementary pieces through the draft and free agency.

As the 2025 season approaches, expectations are sky-high in the Motor City — and for good reason. Detroit isn’t just riding the wave of hype anymore. They’ve earned it. They’ve drafted wisely, developed patiently, and are now reaping the rewards. Five players on a list may not win you a Super Bowl, but it certainly tells you you’re headed in the right direction. And for a fan base that has endured decades of disappointment, the present — and especially the future — has never looked brighter.

PFF’s list didn’t just validate individual brilliance; it validated a movement. The Detroit Lions are young, talented, and hungry. They’re built the right way. And with five under-25 stars leading the charge, they’re built to last.