Justin Herbert, Penei Sewell named among ESPN’s top 25 under 25
The prime of one’s professional football career is usually between the age of 25-30. For those who are already a star in the NFL before that should be set for life and if injuries don’t creep up, a really good stint in the league.
According to an ESPN+ article, Oregon legend and Eugene native Justin Herbert is well on his way to having a long and successful career as the quarterback with the Los Angeles Chargers.
In his third year, Herbert has already surpassed the 5,000-yard mark for a season and has over 12,000 yards total. If his career stays on this trajectory and possibly takes the Chargers to a couple of Super Bowls, Herbert might have a place in Canton someday. But he would be the first to say it’s way too early to think of such things.
Former offensive lineman Penei Sewell barely made it on the list and defensive back Jevon Holland just missed, but was an honorable mention.
Here are the Top 25 NFL players that are age 25 or younger according to ESPN writers Matt Bowen, Matt Miller and Jordan Reid.
DE/LB Micah Parsons - Dallas Cowboys
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 23
WR Justin Jefferson - Minnesota Vikings
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 23
WR Ja'Marr Chase - Cincinnati Bengals
Sam Greene-The Enquirer
Age: 22
OT Tristan Wirfs - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 23
QB Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers
AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Age: 24
A quarterback with elite physical tools, Herbert has quickly developed into a high-end pocket thrower with the movement ability to play outside of structure when necessary. He already has a 5,000-yard passing season and an 88-32 career touchdown-to-interception ratio. Herbert is getting close to being considered a scheme-transcendent passer, as his 65.7 career Total QBR ranks fifth overall since 2020. — Bowen
DT Quinnen Williams - New York Jets
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 24
OT Rashawn Slater - Los Angeles Chargers
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 23
CB Pat Surtain II - Denver Broncos
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 22
QB Jalen Hurts
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 24
QB Tua Tagovailoa - Miami Dolphins
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 24
DE Brian Burns - Carolina Panthers
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 24
OT Andrew Thomas - New York Giants
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 23
WR DK Metcalf - Seattle Seahawks
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 24
WR Jaylen Waddle - Miami Dolphins
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 24
CB Trevon Diggs - Dallas Cowboys
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 24
DE Rashan Gary - Green Bay Packers
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Age: 24
CB A.J. Terrell - Atlanta Falcons
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 24
RB Jonathan Taylor - Indianapolis Colts
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 23
WR CeeDee Lamb - Dallas Cowboys
MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL / USA TODAY NETWORK
Age: 23
CB Sauce Gardner - New York Jets
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 22
QB Justin Fields - Chicago Bears
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 23
OT Penei Sewell - Detroit Lions
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 22
After playing primarily left tackle at Oregon, Sewell made the transition to right tackle seamlessly from the start once joining the Lions. He has a strong build that he uses to overwhelm defenders and plays with a lot of aggressiveness as a run blocker. Sewell also shows outstanding feet, with the balance and quickness to mirror and match the most talented edge rushers in the league. He has given up just three sacks in 2022. — Reid
OT Christian Darrisaw - Minnesota Vikings
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 23
TE Kyle Pitts - Atlanta Falcons
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 22
S Antoine Winfield, Jr. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 24
