Ranking 32 NFL 'farm systems'
Which teams have best 25-and-under talent? We listed them all, 1-32
The Colts (led by Andrew Luck), Rams (Robert Quinn) and Vikings (Teddy Bridgewater) are loaded with young talent.
There are no farm systems in the NFL the way there are in Major League Baseball, but knowing which teams have the best collections of young talent can still be very instructive in predicting future success.
That's what we're attempting to do with these rankings of all 32 teams based on their 25-and-under talent. Here's how we looked at it: If you were to take over one team in the NFL to run for the next 10 years based on the young players in its organization, which would you pick? We took into account positional value, durability and contract status. Also, the rankings were a bit of a balancing act, because we don't want to punish the Packers too much for not having a franchise quarterback who is 25 years old when they have the league's best QB who is in the prime of his career.
We've provided analysis on the five most important young players in each team's organization and listed some other key ones to watch, as well. (For a look at how many players each team needs in order to be a bona fide Super Bowl contender, check out ESPN.com's Missing Pieces project.)
Here you have it: Every NFL team ranked according to its 25-and-under talent.
(Note: The age listed for each player is how old he was on Jan. 1, 2015. Free agents are noted with an asterisk.)
1. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck, QB (25): While J.J. Watt is the best football player in the league, there isn't a more valuable player on this list (or in the NFL) than Luck when you factor in positional value and his age. If you are starting a team from scratch today and have the first overall pick, you take Luck.
T.Y. Hilton, WR (25): He benefits from playing with Luck and won't ever be a prototypical No. 1 wide receiver due to his size, but he is a difference-maker with big-play ability. He's one of the league's best receivers at creating separation and is especially potent out of the slot.
Dwayne Allen, TE (24): Allen is young but is already a complete player. He can line up in the backfield as a lead blocker, help as a pass-blocker from the "Inline Y" position or flex away from the formation and be a threat in the passing game. He is a powerful runner after the catch and is especially effective near the goal line.
Jack Mewhort, G (23): A tackle in college, Mewhort did a very good job at guard for the Colts during his rookie season. The interior of this offensive line was a mess last season, but Mewhort has helped shore things up for the long term.
Bjoern Werner, DE (24): Even without Robert Mathis on the field to draw away the offense's attention, Werner was able to provide consistent pressure off the edge. But he needs to develop more of an all-around game.
Others of note (oldest to youngest): Khaled Holmes, Josh Chapman, Trent Richardson, Hugh Thornton, Jonotthan Harrison, Donte Moncrief
2. New England Patriots
Rob Gronkowski, TE (25): It sounds hyperbolic, but Gronk has the chance to go down as the greatest tight end of all time if he can stay healthy. He's that much of an impact player. Everyone knows about his big-play ability as a pass-catcher, but he can dominate in the run game as well and open up so many options for this offense.
Jamie Collins, OLB (25): I thought he'd be purely an edge rusher in the NFL, but he's proved to be very versatile as the Pats have used him off the line of scrimmage. He has very good length and tremendous athleticism.
Chandler Jones, DE (24): Before his injury, Jones was on his way to becoming one of the best pass-rushers in the league. He needs to be more consistent, but he can line up in a multitude of positions across the Patriots' defensive front -- something the team loves in its personnel.
Dont'a Hightower, LB (24): He is a complete player with great versatility, able to play the run, rush the passer up the middle or off the edge, and excel in pass coverage.
Dominique Easley, DT (22): He would have gone much earlier in the first round of the 2014 draft had he not missed most of his final season at Florida with a torn ACL. His rookie year was essentially a redshirt season for him. Expect a big breakout for this penetrating interior pass-rusher in Year 2.
Others of note: Stevan Ridley*, Akeem Ayers*, Alfonzo Dennard, Brandon Bolden, Tavon Wilson, Jonas Gray, Bryan Stork, Logan Ryan, Aaron Dobson, Jimmy Garoppolo, James White, Cameron Fleming
3. St. Louis Rams
Robert Quinn, DE (24): Quinn started the 2014 season slow after being the league's best pass-rusher in 2013. But he soon got back to his disruptive ways. Quinn is ridiculously athletic and knows how to torment every offensive tackle he faces.
Aaron Donald, DT (23): Already an outstanding NFL player as a rookie, Donald can be unblockable at times because of his super-quick get-off and leverage. His best role right now is as an interior pass-rusher, but he also hustles and tackles very well in the run game.
Greg Robinson, OL (22): People with his sheer mass and power are not supposed to be able to move and run the way he does. But he is still learning, especially in pass protection. St. Louis wanted to keep him at guard during his rookie season, but after Jake Long went down, Robinson had to move to left tackle, which should be his long-term home.
Tre Mason, RB (21): Mason is the youngest player on the Rams' roster and clearly their most talented running back. He wasn't involved in the passing game a whole lot at Auburn, but he progressed nicely as a receiver and especially in protection as a rookie.
Michael Brockers, DT (24): Another first-round pick on the Rams' defensive line, Brockers is a big, powerful man with obvious ability. But he isn't yet very refined as a pass-rusher and needs to learn how to string moves together before he can be a true difference-maker.
Others of note: Austin Davis, Brian Quick, Mark Barron, Chris Givens, Benjamin Cunningham, Stedman Bailey, Lamarcus Joyner, T.J. McDonald, Tavon Austin, Zac Stacy, Alec Ogletree, E.J. Gaines
4. Minnesota Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater, QB (22): The Vikings' new franchise quarterback also happens to be the youngest player on the team. Bridgewater struggled early as a rookie, but the game looked like it slowed down for him as the season went on, and he already has a great understanding of how to distribute the ball. His lack of overwhelming arm strength and his slight frame worry me with regard to his long-term projection.
Anthony Barr, OLB (22): A running back-turned-edge rusher at UCLA, Barr now is expanding his role even further at the NFL level by playing off the line of scrimmage and dropping into coverage -- in addition to getting after opposing quarterbacks. He closes on the football really well. Just wait until he really gets comfortable at the position.
Harrison Smith, S (25): Smith does everything well, including covering tight ends, covering in deep zone and playing the run. He is already a foundation player for Minnesota.
Sharrif Floyd, DT (23): Head coach Mike Zimmer used Floyd in much the same way he did Geno Atkins in Cincinnati. A disruptive upfield penetrator, Floyd uses his quickness to get into the backfield, and he's improved as a run-stuffer as well.
Kyle Rudolph, TE (25): Minnesota had several strong candidates for this final position (I nearly picked CB Xavier Rhodes), but I went with Rudolph since he is the most proven. (OT Matt Kalil and WR Cordarrelle Patterson should be here from a talent standpoint, but both took steps back this season.) Rudolph's size and dependable hands are exactly what a developing quarterback like Bridgewater needs.
Others of note: Matt Kalil, Jarius Wright, Xavier Rhodes, Josh Robinson, Cordarrelle Patterson, Scott Crichton, David Yankey, Jerick McKinnon
5. Houston Texans
J.J. Watt, DL (25): Watt is the best player in professional football. You have to go back a long way to find a defensive player who has begun his career in as dominant fashion as Watt -- and even then you might not find anyone. He's the best non-QB building block a team could ask for.
Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB (21): He gets the nod here purely based on talent: We know that he has speed, power and athleticism that few others can match. He and Watt should team up to wreak havoc on opposing backfields for years to come. Due to injuries, we haven't yet seen the potential turn into production on the field. But don't give up on him yet.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR (22): Hopkins will soon be the Texans' No. 1 receiver. He can be a move-the-chains type, but also has a flair for the spectacular.
Brandon Brooks, G (25): Brooks has a huge build but still possesses excellent movement skills for an offensive lineman. He has the chance to develop into one of the best guards in the league.
Whitney Mercilus, OLB (24): Mercilus has not shown that he can be a true No. 1 edge pass-rusher, but the Texans don't need him to be with Watt and Clowney around. The good news: Mercilus really improved his run defense this season.
Others of note: Ben Jones, Jared Crick, Xavier Su'a-Filo, Alfred Blue, Louis Nix, D.J. Swearinger, C.J. Fiedorowicz
6. Denver Broncos
Von Miller, OLB (25): Miller would be the best defensive player in these rankings were it not for J.J. Watt. Not only is Miller one of the best edge rushers in the game, but he's great against the run and keeps improving in coverage.
Chris Harris Jr., CB (25): He might be the most underrated cornerback in the league. Opposing passing games got nothing when targeting Harris, and he finished the regular season as Pro Football Focus' No. 1 corner. Denver was smart to lock him up for the long term.
Cody Latimer, WR (22): Latimer couldn't get on the field as a rookie, but just wait: He will put up big numbers in his career, starting in 2015 if Peyton Manning sticks around. He has very good hands and good size.
Bradley Roby, CB (22): Roby was Denver's third corner this season, which in today's NFL means he was basically a starter. He isn't all that big, but he is highly competitive and very explosive in his movements.
Malik Jackson, DL (24): There are bigger names listed below in the "others of note" section, but I think Jackson is the better player. He is a very good interior pass-rusher with a lot of versatility for a young player.
Others of note: Brandon Marshall, Quanterus Smith, Rahim Moore*, Derek Wolfe, Danny Trevathan (IR), Michael Schofield, Brock Osweiler, Montee Ball, Kayvon Webster, C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, Juwan Thompson
7. Cleveland Browns
Josh Gordon, WR (23): Gordon was simply unbelievable in 2013 despite playing with below-average quarterbacks, but his off-field issues derailed him in 2014. He missed most of the season due to a league-imposed drug suspension and was out of shape and largely ineffective upon his return. He's one of the best receivers in this league (and one of the best players on this roster) if he can get his act together, but recent reports say that he could miss the 2015 season to suspension due to another positive drug test.
Joe Haden, CB (25): Haden has been one of the league's best cornerbacks since he arrived in Cleveland as a rookie. The Browns want to play a lot of man coverage without giving their cornerbacks a lot of help, and Haden can hold up one-on-one.
Jabaal Sheard*, DE/OLB (25): Sheard can play end in a base 4-3 and has now proved capable of excelling as an outside linebacker in the Browns' 3-4. He's very solid against both the run and the pass, which will make him desirable on the open market. Cleveland would be wise to re-sign him.
Barkevious Mingo, OLB (24): You could argue that Mingo's development has gone too slowly, but he has a ton of ability and it's clear he is getting better. The sack numbers haven't been there yet but he is still getting pressure on opposing QBs while holding up well against the run.
Johnny Manziel, QB (22): He isn't better than many of the Browns players listed below (Tashaun Gipson is one of the league's best safeties and guard Joel Bitonio thrived as a rookie), but I'm including Manziel here out of sheer importance to the team. Cleveland needs him to succeed as its starting QB in 2015, which will require him putting in more work than he has to this point. His mobility and improvisation skills are intriguing, but he'll have to be able to beat defenses from the pocket to succeed long-term.
Others of note: Billy Winn, Buster Skrine*, Mitchell Schwartz, Armonty Bryant, Tashaun Gipson, Pierre Desir, Terrance West, Taylor Gabriel, Joel Bitonio, Justin Gilbert, Chris Kirksey, Isaiah Crowell
8. Carolina Panthers
Luke Kuechly, LB (23): Kuechly is the ultimate linebacker. He is extremely quick to diagnose plays and is an excellent athlete, great in coverage and in the run game with great range and tackling ability. He's a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Cam Newton, QB (25): Newton remains inconsistent as a pocket passer, but continues to show improvement in that area and he is so strong and physically gifted as a runner that he can still take over a game. Carolina would be wise to invest in him as its franchise quarterback, and also to build up a better supporting cast around him. The offensive line and receiving corps both struggled in 2014.
Star Lotulelei, DT (25): Lotulelei moves extremely well for his massive frame, and he is scheme-versatile with the ability to align in many interior techniques. He's a building block on defense as he enters his third season.
Kelvin Benjamin, WR (23): Benjamin is a big-time talent with excellent size and the ball skills to go up and contort his body and come down with the spectacular catch. But there are concerns here as well: He isn't especially sudden as an athlete, he drops too many easy catches and a lot of his production this season came late in games with the Panthers playing from behind.
Kawann Short, DT (25): Short's motor ran hot and cold in college, which dropped him to the second round, but he has very good explosiveness and power as an interior pass-rusher.
Others of note: Mike Remmers, Byron Bell*, Nate Chandler, Andrew Norwell, Melvin White, Bene Benwikere, Kony Ealy, Tre Boston, Trai Turner
9. Green Bay Packers
Randall Cobb, WR (24)*: The Packers could lose their best young player this offseason (and drop in these rankings as a result), as Cobb hits the open market as a free agent. Having locked up Jordy Nelson and drafted Davante Adams, the Packers might have to let Cobb walk to another team. He'd be a big loss, however, as Cobb is very productive as an all-around weapon: a slot receiver, a ball carrier and a consistent big-play and red zone threat.
Mike Daniels, DE (25): Daniels is rarely talked about when discussing the league's best 3-4 defensive ends, but he is very productive and highly versatile. He doesn't have the body type of guys like J.J. Watt or Calais Campbell, but he is still an excellent football player.
Eddie Lacy, RB (24): Lacy is exactly what the Packers need at this position: a power back who can shred lighter boxes and is built for the harsh, late-season Wisconsin weather. He has good quickness and wiggle for a bigger back, as well.
Davante Adams, WR (22): Adams flashed at times this season, especially the Packers' divisional-round win over Dallas, and he could be in line for a bigger role next season if Cobb leaves in free agency. He improved a lot over the course of his rookie season and his future looks very bright.
Casey Hayward, CB (25): He is one of the best cover men in the NFL today, with great quickness and recognition skills. He's a very underrated player who is getting better.
Others of note: Morgan Burnett, Bryan Bulaga*, Brandon Bostick, Jarrett Boykin, Nick Perry, Datone Jones, Micah Hyde, Corey Linsley, David Bakhtiari, Richard Rodgers, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Giovani Bernard, RB (23): His fantasy owners will disagree, but Bernard will be better off in the long run from having Jeremy Hill to take some of his carries away from him. Bernard dealt with injuries this season, and he's best used in a variety of ways to take advantage of his dynamic abilities with the ball in his hand.
Jeremy Hill, RB (22): Hill is the youngest player on Cincinnati's roster and an excellent complement to Bernard, with very good strength and physicality as a runner.
Vontaze Burfict, LB (24): The Bengals' defense, particularly against the run, really struggled when Burfict was out of the lineup this season. He is their second-most valuable defensive player after Geno Atkins, and a very good interior blitzer.
Kevin Zeitler, G (24): Zeitler had some injury issues this season, but he remains one of the better young guards in the league. His rugged style fits what Cincinnati wants from its offensive linemen.
Tyler Eifert, TE (24): I was expecting a breakout season for Eifert this season, but injuries kept that from happening. However, he is still a very fluid and athletic big man with big-play potential.
Others of note: Carlos Dunlap, Clint Boling*, Emmanuel Lamur, Devon Still, Mohamed Sanu, Brandon Thompson, Dre Kirkpatrick, Marvin Jones, George Iloka, Will Clarke, Darqueze Dennard, Russell Bodine
11. Buffalo Bills
Sammy Watkins, WR (21): He didn't put up the same numbers as some of the rookie receivers drafted after him, but make no mistake: He is still a supreme prospect. He has great speed and ball skills, but what some might overlook with him is his strength. Every aspect of his game exudes power, from his running style to his aggressiveness attacking the football.
Marcell Dareus, DT (24): The Bills' excellent defensive line is the foundation of their defense, and Dareus is the anchor in the middle. He dominates in the running game and continues to improve as an every-down player who can get to the quarterback as well.
Cordy Glenn, LT (25): Not the prototypical light-footed left tackle, Glenn uses his great size and wingspan to protect the blind side. He is a top-10 tackle in this league.
Stephon Gilmore, CB (24): Gilmore excels in both man and zone coverage. With Rex Ryan taking over as Buffalo's head coach, Gilmore should see a ton of one-on-one coverage against the opponent's top receiver. He's up to the task.
Kiko Alonso, LB (25): He missed all of 2014 due to an injury, but he along with Brandon Spikes and Preston Brown gives Buffalo one of the best linebacker groups in football.
Others of note: Nigel Bradham, EJ Manuel, Aaron Williams, Duke Williams, Marquise Goodwin, Cyril Richardson, Bryce Brown, Nickell Roby, Seantrel Henderson, Robert Woods, Preston Brown, Cyrus Kouandjio
12. Seattle Seahawks
Earl Thomas, S (25): Thomas is the best safety in football and the leader of Seattle's defense. At his best in the deep middle, where he shows terrific range and playmaking ability, he also can fill versus the run in an instant and is a big hitter. He is elite both athletically and mentally.
Bobby Wagner, LB (24): It's no coincidence that Seattle re-emerged as the NFL's top defense this season when Wagner returned from injury. He is the Seahawks' quarterback on defense and one of the best second-level defenders in the NFL. Few linebackers play as fast as Wagner.
K.J. Wright, LB (25): Wright is the prototypical run-stuffing 4-3 strongside linebacker, with great physicality, length and size for the position. But he moves and covers much better than most linebackers his size. He is a foundation player and the Seahawks were wise to lock him up for the long term.
Paul Richardson, WR (22): Richardson's season came to an end in the divisional round when he tore his ACL, but assuming he can make a full recovery he is an intriguing big-play prospect in the DeSean Jackson mold.
J.R. Sweezy, OL (25): A converted defensive lineman, Sweezy is clearly still a work in progress, particularly in pass protection. But he is a powerful and athletic player who has helped fuel Seattle's great running game.
Others of note: James Carpenter, Malcolm Smith*, Kevin Norwood, Robert Turbin, Luke Willson, Jermaine Kearse, Jeremy Lane, Greg Scruggs, Christine Michael, Jordan Hill, Justin Britt, Kevin Pierre-Louis
13. Baltimore Ravens
C.J. Mosley, LB (22): Mosley was one of the best rookies in the NFL this season. He certainly benefits from having an exceptional defensive line in front of him, but Mosley is also a highly effective every-down linebacker who has been great in coverage.
Kelechi Osemele, G (25): Osemele is a mauler in the run game and the type of player you can run behind in short-yardage situations. He has also improved quite a bit in pass protection from a season ago.
Brandon Williams, DT (25): Williams is very powerful and excels at occupying space in the middle of Baltimore's defense. He doesn't offer much as a pass-rusher, but is exactly what you look for in the run game for a nose tackle.
Torrey Smith, WR (25)*: A free agent-to-be, Smith will have many suitors if he hits the open market. He isn't all that adept at running a wide variety of routes, but he has excellent speed and is very effective outside the numbers on deep patterns.
Ricky Wagner, OT (25): Many worried that Wagner was not the player to replace Michael Oher at right tackle, but he had a very good season, particularly in pass protection.
Others of note: Courtney Upshaw, Will Hill, Arthur Brown, Michael Campanaro, Terrence Brooks, Marlon Brown, Kyle Juszczyk, Bernard Pierce, Matt Elam, Crockett Gillmore, James Hurst, Lorenzo Taliaferro, Timmy Jernigan
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
Le'Veon Bell, RB (22): Bell might already be the best all-around running back in the league. He is a very patient runner with great vision and burst, and he is also one of the best receiving backs in the game today. He is still very young for a second-year player and will only get better.
Cameron Heyward. DE (25): Heyward is a very good fit at defensive end in the Steelers' 3-4 scheme with good length and size to keep blockers off his body. But he isn't just a space eater, and shows upfield abilities in both the running and passing games. Consistency remains a bit of an issue.
Maurkice Pouncey, C (25): Injuries have been a problem for Pouncey throughout his career, but he has been one of the top pivots in the game since arriving in the league.
David DeCastro, G (24): DeCastro and Pouncey are the foundation of the Steelers' much-improved offensive line. And fortunately for Pittsburgh, both are young and have bright futures ahead of them.
Martavis Bryant, WR (23): After being inactive for the first part of the season, Bryant burst on the scene and significantly improved Pittsburgh's passing attack. The Steelers don't have another wide receiver with Bryant's height and deep-ball ability.
Others of note: Kelvin Beachum, Jarvis Jones, Sean Spence, Markus Wheaton, Shamarko Thomas, Dri Archer, Ryan Shazier, Stephon Tuitt
15. New Orleans Saints
Cameron Jordan, DE (25): Jordan broke out in a big way in 2013 as one of the better 3-4 defensive ends in the game today. He took a step back in 2014, but is very versatile and is the Saints' best defensive player despite just entering the prime of his career.
Brandin Cooks, WR (21): Cooks has great speed and explosiveness, and he was the Saints' top downfield threat as a rookie before his season-ending injury.
Terron Armstead, OT (23): Armstead improved significantly as Drew Brees' blindside protector in his second season. In terms of pure athletic ability, few offensive linemen can compare to Armstead. The sky is the limit for him.
Mark Ingram, RB (25)*: Since the end of last season, Ingram has been displaying good feet, excellent power and strong finishing ability as a runner. Plagued by numerous injuries to begin his NFL career, Ingram is healthy now and coming into his own. He very well could be playing elsewhere in 2015.
Kenny Vaccaro, S (23): Vaccaro showed great promise as a rookie and looked like the next star among the NFL's new breed of safeties, with the ability to line up all over the formation and defend both the run and pass. He really struggled in 2014, however, although he did finish the season stronger than he started it.
Others of note: Travaris Cadet, John Jenkins, Tim Lelito, Akiem Hicks, Khiry Robinson, Stan Jean-Baptiste, Kenny Stills
16. Philadelphia Eagles
Fletcher Cox, DE (24): Cox is very effective as a defensive end in the Eagles' 3-4 scheme, but with his upfield explosiveness, his best role could actually be as a 3-technique DT in a 4-3. He is a very good interior pass-rusher, but doesn't compromise at all against the run and is a superb tackler for the position.
Lane Johnson, OT (24): It isn't a coincidence that the Eagles' running game got back on track this season after Johnson returned from suspension. He could stand to add strength and bulk, but he is simply an outstanding foot athlete, which is exactly what Chip Kelly wants from his linemen.
Mychal Kendricks, LB (24): Kendricks is a very active and versatile every-down linebacker. He excels as a blitzer, as a run-and-chase run defender and can cover the elite tight ends in this league.
Zach Ertz, TE (24): Ertz can line up all over the formation and is a mismatch for nearly every type of cover man he faces. It is surprising that he hasn't been featured more yet in this offense, and he needs to play more snaps.
Brandon Boykin, CB (24): Boykin is on the shorter side, but he is ideal as a slot cornerback, which now should be considered a starting position in the NFL. He is good in run support and as a blitzer as well.
Others of note: Nick Foles, Earl Wolff, Chris Polk, Bennie Logan, Josh Huff, Marcus Smith, Jordan Matthews
17. San Francisco 49ers
Aldon Smith, OLB (25): Smith has dealt with some off-field issues, but if he can stay on the field he will be one of the best edge-rushers in the NFL for years to come.
Eric Reid, S (23): Finding safeties like Reid is not easy. He possesses great awareness and versatility in coverage and also has excellent size for the position. He just keeps getting better.
Carlos Hyde, RB (23): Hyde is destined to take over the lead-back role in San Francisco sooner rather than later. A power back who is also quite effective in the passing game, he is exactly what this team wants at the position.
Anthony Davis, OT (25): Davis has loads of ability, with great power and light feet for a player his size. Consistency remains a big issue for him, however.
Aaron Lynch, DE/OLB (21): Lynch was a pleasant surprise as a rookie. He used his ideal length to consistently get after the quarterback this season, and it is exciting to think about what he'll be able to do with Smith on the opposite side.
Others of note: Tank Carradine, Jonathan Martin, Ian Williams, Vance McDonald, Quinton Dial, Joe Looney, Chris Borland, Jimmie Ward, Bruce Ellington, Corey Lemonier, Marcus Martin
18. Arizona Cardinals
Patrick Peterson, CB (24): The most physically gifted cornerback we've seen in the league for quite some time, Peterson plays a ton of man coverage against the opponent's top wide receiver. The results are not always perfect, but Peterson's ability to cover one-on-one makes the Cardinals' defense so much better overall. Peterson is just scratching the surface of what he could become.
Andre Ellington, RB (25): Ellington isn't a workhorse back, but he possesses a great blend of breakaway speed, vision and elusiveness. He's also already one of the best receiving backs in the league because of his route-running and soft hands.
Michael Floyd, WR (25): After leading the Cardinals in receiving last year, Floyd dropped off this season. He has good size and is a big-play threat, but he was something of an afterthought in the offense.
Tyrann Mathieu, CB (22): Mathieu is a big play waiting to happen. He plays bigger than his size and is highly explosive in all his movements. He can play a deep safety role, he can play in the slot and he is also a force in the run game.
John Brown, WR (24): Brown emerged as the Cardinals' premier deep threat as a rookie. He's small in stature but has rare speed and is very quick out of his breaks, with great after-the-catch skills. Bruce Arians is an ideal coach for him.
Others of note: Jaron Brown, Bobby Massie, Jonathan Cooper, Justin Bethel, Kevin Minter, Kerwynn Williams, Logan Thomas, Tony Jefferson, Deone Bucannon, Troy Niklas
19. Kansas City Chiefs
Justin Houston, OLB (25)*: A free agent to be, Houston is about to break the bank either on the open market or via the Chiefs' franchise tag. He has surpassed Tamba Hali as Kansas City's No. 1 pass-rusher and is now one of the truly elite edge-rushers in all of football.
Dontari Poe, DT (24): Poe is a massive human being who tested off the charts at the NFL combine, but he is now much more than just a size-athleticism prospect. Poe is one of the best interior players in the league and a huge key to Kansas City's defensive scheme. Not only does he demand a ton of attention in the run game, but he is an up-and-coming pass-rusher as well. He plays a ton of snaps for someone his size.
Travis Kelce, TE (25): Kelce is an excellent all-around talent and a matchup nightmare for defenses. He'll soon become the focal point of the Chiefs' passing attack.
Dee Ford, OLB (23): There wasn't much available playing time for Ford this season behind Hali and Houston, but the 2014 first-round pick could provide valuable pass-rushing ability next season if Houston moves on in free agency.
Knile Davis, RB (23): Like Ford, Davis is buried on the depth chart behind a Pro Bowl-caliber player. But Davis is a different type of back than Jamaal Charles with his power and straight-line speed. He needs to stay healthy and better protect the football.
Others of note: Allen Bailey, Rodney Hudson*, Eric Fisher, Phillip Gaines, Albert Wilson, De'Anthony Thomas
20. Detroit Lions
Ezekiel Ansah, DE (25): Ansah is still very raw, but he has quickly developed into a terror off the edge. He is very flexible for a big man and does a great job of transitioning speed to power. A year from now, Ansah could be the best pass-rusher in all of football.
Larry Warford, G (23): Warford was one of the steals of the draft a year ago and quickly emerged as one of the best guards in the NFL. He can move piles in the running game but also shows light-enough feet to hold up against athletic interior defensive linemen in pass protection.
Darius Slay, CB (24): Slay benefits from playing behind an excellent front seven, but his improvement from a year ago is a huge reason the Lions' defense ranked among the very best in the league. He has excellent size and route recognition and is already Detroit's best cornerback.
Eric Ebron, TE (21): Ebron is the Lions' youngest player and also one of their most talented. He didn't do a ton in his rookie season, but that's true of most first-year tight ends. He could afford to play with more physicality, but his speed and movement skills are outstanding.
Theo Riddick, RB (23): Riddick is almost equal parts wide receiver and running back. He is exceptional in the passing game and can serve as the Lions' third receiver at times. Riddick also has great burst and overall explosive skills. He might make Reggie Bush expendable.
Others of note: Bill Bentley, Kyle Van Noy, Joseph Fauria, Tahir Whitehead, LaAdrian Waddle
21. Dallas Cowboys
Tyron Smith, OT (24): It is amazing that Smith is still only 24 years old. The argument can be made that he is already the best offensive lineman in the league. Smith is a great athlete who continues to refine his technique, and his best attribute is his strength. When he locks on, it's over.
Zack Martin, G (24): A masher in the run game, Martin is also stellar in protection. The argument could be made that Martin is the most impressive rookie on offense in the NFL this season -- and that includes Odell Beckham Jr.
Travis Frederick, G (23): Frederick is already one of the best centers in football. Stout enough to handle big-bodied defensive tackles but also athletic enough to get to the second level and block out in space, Frederick is a complete football player.
Tyrone Crawford, DE (25): Crawford is the Cowboys' best defensive player right now. Very disruptive in the middle of the defense, he makes plays in the backfield versus the run and gets after the quarterback consistently.
Terrance Williams, WR (25): Williams benefits greatly from the attention paid by defenses to the Cowboys' running game and Dez Bryant, but he is still a big-time talent with a knack for making plays.
Others of note: Cole Beasley, Ronald Leary, Rolando McClain*, Lance Dunbar, Morris Claiborne, Sterling Moore, DeMarcus Lawrence, Gavin Escobar, DeVonte Holloman, J.J. Wilcox, Devin Street, Joseph Randle, Anthony Hitchens
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
Blake Bortles, QB (23): Bortles' decision-making needs to improve significantly, and he struggled a lot during his rookie season. Still, he has most of the traits you look for in a franchise quarterback, and he could be the answer the Jaguars so desperately need.
Allen Robinson, WR (21): The Jaguars' youngest player has already established himself as their No. 1 receiver. He is big and physical and excellent after the catch. Robinson and Bortles developed a chemistry that should pay off for years to come.
Denard Robinson, RB (24): The former star quarterback at Michigan has transformed remarkably well to running back now that he has taken over as the lead back. Although he is on the smaller side, he doesn't shy away from running between the tackles and also has breakaway ability.
Luke Joeckel, OT (23): Joeckel is very talented but hasn't yet lived up to his draft position (No. 2 overall in 2013). He's back to his natural left tackle position, but the Jags need him to step up his play.
Brandon Linder, G (22): Linder had a very good rookie season as a starting guard. The Jaguars' offensive line needs a lot of work, but Linder looks to have one spot locked down for the long term. He held his own against J.J. Watt in Week 14.
Others of note: Ryan Davis, Justin Blackmon, Andre Branch, Dwayne Gratz, Austin Pasztor, Johnathan Cyprien, Telvin Smith, Josh Evans, Allen Hurns, Luke Bowanko, Aaron Colvin, Marqise Lee, Chris Smith, Demetrius McCray, Storm Johnson
23. Miami Dolphins
Mike Pouncey, C/G (25): Pouncey is arguably the league's best center, but moved to guard this season based on the Dolphins' other personnel. He is the foundation of the Dolphins' offensive line.
Jarvis Landry, WR (22): Landry doesn't offer much as a deep threat, but he is tough and physical with excellent hands and strong run-after-the-catch skills. He is quickly becoming Ryan Tannehill's favorite option in the passing game and has become a target hog on third down.
Olivier Vernon, DE (24): Vernon was up and down a season ago, but he stepped up in a big way as a pass-rusher opposite Cameron Wake in 2014. He will never be a prototypical edge rusher, but he has a powerful frame, a wide variety of pass-rush moves and is improving rapidly.
Dion Jordan, OLB (24): Jordan has an amazing combination of height, length and fluidity. His potential is huge, but he hasn't produced nearly enough since the Dolphins traded up to draft him in 2013. Miami needs more from him in 2015.
Charles Clay, TE (25)*: Clay isn't a physically imposing tight end, but he is very versatile and reliable as a pass-catcher. When used properly, he can be a real mismatch problem for opposing defenses. It will be interesting to see how much Miami is willing to pay to keep him.
Others of note: Rishard Matthews, Will Davis, Jamar Taylor, Dion Sims, Lamar Miller, Billy Turner, Jelani Jenkins, Damien Williams, Ja'Wuan James
24. San Diego Chargers
Keenan Allen, WR (22): Allen isn't an elite physical specimen, but he is highly refined for a young receiver; runs sharp, consistent routes; and has good hands and excellent after-the-catch skills. He didn't put up the best numbers this season, but there is no need to worry here; Allen is the Chargers' best young asset.
Corey Liuget, DL (24): At his best, Liuget can be highly disruptive, and he is quickly becoming one of the better interior pass-rushers in the league. His play can be a little up and down, but he has a lot of ability and is very important to the future success of this team.
Jason Verrett, CB (23): Verrett is undersized, but he makes up for it with his aggressive, physical play and elite vertical leaping ability. Verrett was excellent as a rookie before landing on injured reserve.
D.J. Fluker, OL (23): Fluker is a huge tackle with extremely long arms. He isn't particularly nimble and he can play a bit top-heavy, which is why the Chargers will likely move him to guard, but he can dominant there.
Ladarius Green, TE (24): Green has excellent physical tools with great height, length and deep speed, but he still hasn't been able to pass Antonio Gates on San Diego's depth chart. He needs more of an opportunity.
Others of note: Melvin Ingram, Kendall Reyes, Manti Te'o, Branden Oliver, Jeremiah Attaochu
25. New York Giants
Odell Beckham Jr., WR (22): He had a special rookie season and is well on his way to becoming a great player. He is the Giants' youngest player and their best player. He is very fast with strong hands, superb run-after-the-catch ability and very sudden movement skills.
Johnathan Hankins, DT (22): The knock on Hankins coming out of college was that he took plays off and wore down late in games. But he has displayed a better motor in the pros, and when he is on, he is really on. He is a very good interior pass-rusher and has a chance to be the next great Giants defensive lineman.
Prince Amukamara, CB (25): Amukamara was having a very good season before landing on injured reserve. He has the size and recognition skills to do battle with the opponent's best wide receiver.
Rueben Randle, WR (23): Randle flashes at times, but consistency has been a real issue. He should be a more productive player at this point.
Weston Richburg, C/G (23): Richburg's best position is center, but he started at guard as a rookie -- and held up pretty well. He has the look of an interior offensive lineman who will last in this league.
Others of note: Jerrel Jernigan*, Ryan Nassib, Justin Pugh, Devon Kennard, Corey Washington, Jay Bromley, Andre Williams, Damontre Moore
26. Tennessee Titans
Jurrell Casey, DL (25): Casey is the best player on the Titans' roster, and it isn't really close. He isn't a household name, but he certainly deserves to be. He is a dominant interior pass-rusher.
Taylor Lewan, OT (23): With Michael Roos and Michael Oher already on the roster, many scoffed when the Titans used their first-round pick on Lewan. But he has lived up to his draft status. He is a plus athlete who plays with a nasty edge.
Kendall Wright, WR (25): Although he was a premier deep threat in college, Wright has been used mostly as a possession receiver in Tennessee. He gets plenty of targets, but few big plays.
Justin Hunter, WR (23): Hunter is among the most talented wide receivers in the league, with an extreme blend of height, length and speed. He has flashed, but his performance in 2014 simply wasn't good enough -- regardless of how bad the Titans' QB situation is.
Chance Warmack, G (23): Warmack appeared to a safe draft prospect when the Titans used the 10th overall pick on him in 2013, but he has not become the dominant player many envisioned he would be. There's still time for Warmack to turn things around, and he finished the season strong, which is encouraging.
Others of note: Derrick Morgan*, Taylor Thompson, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Mike Martin, Brian Schwenke, Zach Mettenberger, DaQuan Jones, Avery Williamson, Marqueston Huff, Bishop Sankey
27. Oakland Raiders
Khalil Mack, OLB (23): Mack appears to be a franchise-type player on defense. His sack total (4) was not overwhelming as a rookie, but he consistently got pressure and was an excellent all-around defender.
Derek Carr, QB (23): Carr was far from perfect in his rookie season, but it was a highly encouraging start. He has all the tools you want from an NFL starter, and if it were up to me, I'd build around him with the No. 4 overall pick this year -- not replace him with it.
Stefen Wisniewski, C (25)*: One of the consistent bright spots for Oakland the past few seasons, Wisniewski got it done again in 2014. The Raiders should make re-signing him a priority this offseason.
Gabe Jackson, G (23): Jackson is a big, wide-bodied guard who can mash in the run game, but he also has fared well so far in protection. He should be a fixture up front for years to come.
D.J. Hayden, CB (24): Hayden has not had an easy transition to the pros, but he flashes a lot of ability. He should be one of Oakland's starters at cornerback for a long time, and he has star potential.
Others of note: Vincent Brown*, T.J. Carrie, Matt McGloin, Latavius Murray, Brice Butler, Sio Moore, Mychal Rivera, Justin Ellis
28. New York Jets
Muhammad Wilkerson, DL (25): Wilkerson is one of the premier defensive linemen in the league today. He does not have any discernible weaknesses and is a handful for opposing blocking schemes every week.
Sheldon Richardson, DT (24): Like Wilkerson, Richardson is an outstanding interior pass-rusher and is extremely disruptive overall. Built lower to the ground and without Wilkerson's length, Richardson is more of a leverage-and-quickness player, but is equally as effective.
Calvin Pryor, S (22): Pryor is a big-time hitter and enforcer with plus athletic ability and the versatility that former coach Rex Ryan coveted. We'll see if Pryor is a good fit for new coach Todd Bowles' scheme.
Dee Milliner, CB (24): Milliner is a difficult player to judge now because he missed most of the 2014 season due to injury. He was torched at the start of his rookie season but came on strong at the end. The 2015 season will be critical in terms of his development.
Quinton Coples, DE (24): Coples is a solid 4-3 defensive end who can be miscast when asked to play as a 3-4 outside linebacker in space and in coverage. But Ryan & Co. were smart to play to his strengths.
Others of note: Jaiquawn Jarrett, Demario Davis, Geno Smith, Shaquelle Evans, Brian Winters, Jace Amaro
29. Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones, WR (25): Jones has as much raw ability as any receiver -- and maybe any player at any position -- in the entire league. Durability and drops are a bit of a concern, but his talent more than makes up for it -- and he is still learning the nuances of playing the position.
Desmond Trufant, CB (24): A true bright spot on the Falcons' defense, Trufant should now be considered a Pro Bowl-caliber corner, if not one of the very best players at the position in the NFL. Trufant not only had an outstanding season as a coverage player but also was a major force against the run.
Jake Matthews, OT (22): Matthews appeared to be an extremely safe draft prospect, and despite his major struggles as a rookie, I still see him as a long-term, high-end starting left tackle in the NFL. He should be a foundation player for Atlanta.
Devonta Freeman, RB (22): Freeman isn't the biggest back, but he has skills in the passing game and runs with great aggression. He might never be a true featured back (Ahmad Bradshaw is a good comp), but expect Freeman's touches to increase significantly in 2015.
Paul Worrilow, LB (24): Worrilow isn't the biggest or fastest linebacker, but he has racked up a lot of tackles in his two NFL seasons and is always around the football. He should be a solid piece of Atlanta's defense for the foreseeable future.
Others of note: Malliciah Goodman, Peter Konz, Jacquizz Rodgers*, Prince Shembo, James Stone, Ra'Shede Hageman, Joplo Bartu, Levine Toilolo
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lavonte David, LB (24): David might be the most underrated player in the league. He is a superstar and the prototype as a 4-3 weakside linebacker. David has great straight-line speed and is very agile and laterally quick. He is fantastic in coverage, which is increasingly important in today's NFL.
Mike Evans, WR (21): The youngest player on Tampa's roster is also already one of its best. His size and ball skills make him an excellent downfield weapon.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE (22): Between Evans and Seferian-Jenkins, there is a lot of youth and talent among the Bucs' group of pass-catchers. He should be a top-10 two-way tight end in the NFL for years to come.
Mason Foster, LB (25)*: Foster is several notches below the top three names on this list. He is just an average starting middle linebacker, and might not be with the team next season.
Mike Glennon, QB (25): Glennon has starting quarterback attributes, including excellent arm strength, but he hasn't yet proved he can be consistent enough to be more than a backup. We shouldn't write him off just yet, but his future could be with another team.
Others of note: Doug Martin, Johnthan Banks, Jacquies Smith, Akeem Spence, Mike James, William Gholston, Robert Herron
31. Chicago Bears
Alshon Jeffery, WR (24): Jeffery had a down year, but some of that could be attributed to the Bears' overall struggles on offense. He is a notch below the talent level of receivers such as Dez Bryant and A.J. Green, but is still very gifted as a downfield receiver and can do things that many receivers simply cannot.
Kyle Fuller, CB (22): Fuller struggled some as a rookie but also made some big plays, and the future looks bright for him overall. He's best as a zone corner, but he isn't limited to any one scheme and is also a very good tackler.
Marquess Wilson, WR (22): Wilson is yet another big target in Chicago's receiving corps, but we haven't really had the chance to see what he can do because he's buried behind Jeffery and Brandon Marshall. We'll see if new offensive coordinator Adam Gase uses Wilson more effectively.
Will Sutton, DT (23): Sutton is an undersized 3-technique defensive tackle who relies on leverage and quickness and can be mauled by bigger offensive linemen and double-teams. He was just OK as a rookie.
Ego Ferguson, DT (23): Ferguson played many fewer snaps than Sutton and is more of a nose-tackle type than a penetrator. Ferguson also has been underwhelming overall. It is a bad sign for the Bears that these two defensive tackles rank among the team's best young prospects.
Others of note: Khaseem Greene, Chris Conte*, Shea McClellin, Jordan Mills, Jon Bostic, Brock Vereen, Ka'Deem Carey
32. Washington Redskins
Jordan Reed, TE (24): Reed is a matchup nightmare and one of my favorite young tight ends. He is at his best when detached from the formation, but is highly versatile in terms of his alignment and as a route-runner. Durability is his biggest concern.
Trent Murphy, OLB (24): There is a good chance that Murphy will start at outside linebacker opposite Ryan Kerrigan in 2015. Murphy is a solid prospect who had a quality rookie season, but he isn't a game-changer off the edge.
Robert Griffin III, QB (24): The jury is still out on Griffin. His potential and natural ability are off the charts, but durability is a massive red flag with him, and he's really struggled the past two seasons even when he was healthy (or close to it). And of course, the Redskins would have many other 25-and-under prospects if it weren't for their big trade up in the draft to select Griffin No. 2 overall in 2012.
Bashaud Breeland, CB (22): Breeland isn't that fast for a corner, but he has good size and plays the run well. His rookie-season performance was up and down.
David Amerson, CB (23): He has good size, length, movement skills and speed, but sharp-breaking routes and quicker-than-fast receivers give him a difficult time, and he struggles to find the ball in the air. A move to free safety could be in his future.
