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NFL Top 25 Players Under 25 Defense
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NFL Top 25 Players Under 25: The Best Defensive Players Under 25

Nick Holz Updated on: Aug 26, 2024 9:43 AM ET

More than ever before the NFL is a young man's game. So much of modern football is driven by size, speed and skill, making impact players on cost effective rookie contracts key to team success. I've combed through every roster in the league to analyze the NFL's top 25 players under 25 who are making waves on the defensive side of the football. From game-changing cornerbacks to dominant edge rushers, these young defenders are set to shape the future of the league. Here's Odds Shark's top 25 NFL defensive players under 25.

Each of these players fit the following criteria:

•    Players had to be UNDER the age of 25 at the start of the upcoming 2024 season. There are no 25-year-old players on this list, though some may turn 25 through the season.
•    The list is a mix of player projection and past performance. Some of these players are already superstars, some I’m projecting to get there, or close.
•    No rookies. I didn’t include any players who haven’t yet been on the field for an NFL snap.

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1. Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets, 23

Sauce has quickly emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He leads all corners with a sparkling 91.2 PFF grade over the past two seasons, and has allowed just 0.52 receiving yards per coverage snap. He's surrendered just two touchdowns since coming into the league and has made first-team All-Pro in each of his NFL seasons.

Gardner's dominance makes him the easy choice as the top young defensive player in the league. He's also an intriguing bet to win the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year at +6000 odds.

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Detroit Lions, 23

After a solid rookie season, Aidan Hutchinson took his game to another stratosphere in 2023. He led the NFL with 62 total pressures, while ranking fifth in PFF pass-rushing grade at 91.2.

Hutchinson is poised for a massive 2024 and is my favorite bet to tally the most sacks in the NFL this year at +1800 odds.

3. Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens, 23

Kyle Hamilton established himself as a versatile defensive force last season. His 86.4 PFF grade ranked sixth at his position, and he led all safeties with 14 quarterback pressures. Part safety, part linebacker, Hamilton's ability to make plays all over the field makes him one of the most unique and devastating defensive weapons in the NFL.

Whether he's blitzing from the slot or covering an opposing tight end one-on-one, Hamilton has quickly become a cornerstone of the Ravens defense.

4. Pat Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos, 24

The son of the former Dolphins great, Pat Surtain II has quickly become one of the most consistent cornerbacks in the league. His ability to man up and shut down the top receiving threats in the NFL has made him an invaluable asset to an otherwise barren Broncos defense.

5. Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles, 23

Off-field issues led Carter to slide right to the perfect spot in the 2023 NFL Draft. The former Georgia stalwart has already proven himself on the NFL field. He's nigh on unblockable as evidenced by his nine quarterback pressures in his first game. Carters ability to generate pressure up the middle and destroy even the greatest interior blockers in the NFL will make him a force for years to come.

6. Trent McDuffie, CB, Kansas City Chiefs, 23

You'll remember McDuffie's fantastic performances for the back-to-back Super Bowl champions in last year's playoffs. He was moved to the slot for his sophomore season and excelled at both blitzing the quarterback and shutting down opposing wideouts.

McDuffie allowed just nine yards on seven targets in the Super Bowl and is set to be a huge part of the defending champions success in 2024.

7. Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Houston Texans, 23

Former Alabama pass-rushing extraordinaire Will Anderson Jr. had an outstanding rookie season, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

He racked up seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss while recording a rookie-high 16.7% pressure rate. Anderson Jr. is already a cornerstone piece of an ascending Houston Texans squad.

8. Jevon Holland, S, Miami Dolphins, 24

Jevon Holland led all safeties with a 91.2 coverage grade through the first 12 weeks of the 2023 NFL season. The Canadian's ability to cover the deep middle of the field, while also making plays in the box makes him one of the most promising young players in football.

9. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, Houston Texans, 23

Derek Stingley Jr. lived up to his potential in 2023, allowing just a 74.3 passer rating when targeted. He also tied for the fifth-highest PFF grade among corners (85.3). The LSU product has proven he can be a shutdown corner in the NFL.

10. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, New York Giants, 23

Thibodeaux racked up 11.5 sacks in his sophomore season while developing into the type of dominant pass-rushing force many predicted him to be. With the talent much improved around him, he'll look to prove he belongs with the big boys in 2024.

11. Greg Rousseau, EDGE, Buffalo Bills, 24

Rousseau posted an 87.1 PFF grade last season, good for 13th among edge rushers in the league. He's steadily improved since entering the NFL, and will be a key piece of the Bills defense in 2024 and beyond.

12. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Cleveland Browns, 24

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah enjoyed a breakout year in 2023, posting 101 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and six passes defended. His ability to play elite zone coverage while stuffing the run, and being an effective blitzer makes him a valuable piece of Jim Schwartz's defense.

13. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks, 23

Witherspoon put together a solid rookie season, displaying his natural ability to cover the league's best receivers. His physicality and athleticism will propel him to great heights as he continues to grow. Witherspoon has a chance to enter the annals of the NFL's elite corners this season.

14. Alim McNeill, DT, Detroit Lions, 24

One of the big hogs in the center of the Detroit Lions defense, Alim McNeill took a huge leap last season. His stellar play and five sacks led to him being ranked as one of PFF's top seven interior defenders. McNeill is one of the most underrated players in the NFL and is poised to become a household name in 2024.

15. Nick Bolton, LB, Kansas City Chiefs, 24

NFL fans will remember Bolton's 36-yard scoop and score touchdown in Super Bowl LVII. He was injured for parts of last season, but returned to be a critical component of Kansas City's Super Bowl run. Bolton is the anchor of Steve Spagnuolo's fantastic defense.

16. Talanoa Hufanga, S, San Francisco 49ers, 24

San Francisco missed Hufanga's playmaking ability in last year's Super Bowl. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2022, before going down with a torn ACL in Week 11 of 2023. He possesses the crucial skills to drop deep in coverage and be a menacing force as a blitzer. Look for Hufanga to bounce back this season.

17. Travon Walker, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars, 23

The first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Travon Walker should thrive with more talent around him in 2024. He recorded 10 sacks last season, and figures to build on that with Arik Armstead joining him and Josh Hines-Allen on the dangerous Jaguars defensive line. The sky is the limit for Walker's potential.

18. Deonte Banks, CB, New York Giants, 23

Banks allowed just 6.6 yards per pass snap during his rookie season. He looks every bit the part of a top-tier starting NFL corner, with the confidence to go toe-to-toe with the league's best.

19. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs, 23

The top edge rusher on the Super Bowl champs came into his own in 2023, recording 10.5 sacks to go along with 35 total pressures. He made big play after big play in the playoffs and has flashed the potential to develop into one of the league's premier pass-rushers.

20. asante Samuel Jr., CB, Los Angeles Chargers, 24

Yet another son of a former NFL star, Asante Samuel Jr. has lived up to his billing so far. He's recorded six interceptions and 35 pass breakups since entering the league, and looks set to build on his fathers' NFL legacy.

21. Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots, 23

Gonzalez displayed flashes of brilliance before his rookie campaign ended after just four games. He was impressive in coverage, going head-to-head with the likes of Tyreek Hill and recording an interception and a sack before a torn labrum ended his season. Gonzalez has the potential to be the next standout cornerback in New England's secondary.

Gonzalez is an intriguing bet to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year at a hefty +10000 odds.

22. Calijah Kancey, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23

Put this name in your notebook. Kancey put together an outstanding rookie season in 2023, registering four sacks and 21 total pressures. He will only improve under the tutelage of defensive mastermind Todd Bowles in Tampa Bay.

23. Martin Emerson, CB, Cleveland Browns, 23

An unheralded third-round pick out of Mississippi State, Martin Emerson came into his own last season. He played in all 17 games in 2023, allowing a passer rating of just 53.3 and only gave up a touchdown in the Browns' playoff loss to the Texans. His physical play style make him the perfect fit for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz' aggressive scheme.

24. Quay Walker, LB, Green Bay Packers, 23

Quay Walker has shown impressive range and playmaking ability across his first two NFL seasons, racking up 239 tackles, nine quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles. He'll be a massive part of a more aggressive Packers defense in 2024.

25. Ernest Jones IV, LB, Los Angeles Rams, 24

Ernest Jones has been a reliable contributor for the Rams since his rookie season, leading all linebackers under 25 in tackles against the run. His ability as a pass-rusher stands out and makes him a versatile defensive weapon for Los Angeles.

Like this list? Check out my friend Mitch Bannon's top 25 NFL players under 25 on the offensive side of the football. 

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