The National Football League (NFL) is more than just a sport. It’s a saga of resilience, strategy, and unparalleled athleticism that grips fans across the globe. At its core, the NFL showcases a blend of intricate strategic planning and the raw physical prowess of the players, making each game a battlefield where mind and muscle work in perfect harmony.
That said, it’s vital that you familiarize yourself not only with the current superstars of the NFL but also with the rising talents that will be the league’s future. So, without further ado, let’s go through the top five young players of the NFL who are considered the league’s future stars.
CJ Stroud
Drafted second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, Stroud has quickly become one of the most electrifying talents in professional football, captivating fans and analysts alike.
Stroud has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the award of the offensive rookie of the year. His performance transcends that of merely the best rookie in the NFL. He ranks among the league’s top quarterbacks in terms of productivity.
He is expected to be the first rookie quarterback to top the NFL in passing yards since Davey O’Brien achieved this feat in 1939. Stroud has garnered significant acclaim, securing both the offensive and the prestigious overall Rookie of the Year awards as determined by the Pro Football Writers Association.
With his agility and talent on the field, most bettors doing NFL Betting Online have watched the Texans closely in the coming seasons since he showed fantastic performance last season. How he plays on the gridiron indicates that he is indeed a rising star of the NFL.
Jalen Carter
The Eagles’ rookie defensive tackle, Jalen Carter, experienced a year filled with notable milestones, topped off with his initial end-of-season accolade. The Pro Football Writers of America included him in their All-Rookie Team for 2023, recognizing him as one of the four standout defensive linemen chosen on January 23.
For the second year in a row, an Eagles defensive tackle has been honored on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, with Jordan Davis previously winning the accolade in 2022.
He matched rookie defensive tackles’ highest quarterback pressure count at 47 and led in quick pressures with 24. Carter quickly gained attention from opponents due to his commanding presence on the line, facing double teams at a rate of 47.5%, the second-highest among defensive rookies in 2023.
Beyond his praised pass-rushing skills, Carter excelled in run defense, emerging as a multifaceted asset for the Eagles. His positive run grade rate of 25.2% from Pro Football Focus ranked highest among rookie defensive linemen, showcasing his comprehensive defensive capabilities.
Devon Witherspoon
Another name that you should be aware of in the coming seasons of the NFL is Devon Witherspoon. In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks chose Witherspoon as their fifth overall pick.
The Seahawks acquired this draft selection through a major trade deal that involved transferring Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in the last offseason. Rapidly rising to stardom in the Pacific Northwest, Devon Witherspoon quickly justified his position as a top-five pick for the Seattle Seahawks.
Witherspoon hit the ground running, capturing the NFC Defensive Player of the Week title in his third appearance by scoring a touchdown from an interception and achieving two sacks during an away victory against the New York Giants.
Despite being sidelined for three matches due to injuries, he ended the season ranking fifth in solo tackles among rookies with 65 and third in pass deflections with 10, consistently exhibiting remarkable performance in the secondary.
Witherspoon stands out as an exceptionally physical and aggressive player, possessing a superior understanding of football that positions him to influence defensive play across all areas significantly, a capability rare among cornerbacks.
Bijan Robinson
From his early days in high school, Robinson displayed an exceptional talent that hinted at his future greatness. He has an uncanny ability to find gaps in the defense, coupled with a rare blend of speed and power, making him a nightmare for opposing defenders.
Robinson amassed 1,463 yards in his debut season — with 976 of those on the ground and 487 through the air, setting the record for the highest yardage by a first-year running back in 2023. He crossed into the end zone eight times, equally split between rushing and receiving touchdowns.
Additionally, Robinson demonstrated remarkable efficiency as a receiver, securing catches 67.4% of the time and averaging 8.4 yards for each reception.
Will Anderson Jr.
The NFL has recently announced that Houston Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. received the Defensive Rookie of the Year award at the 13th Annual NFL Honors. Anderson is the third person in the franchise’s history to earn this distinction, following in the footsteps of DeMeco Ryans in 2006 and Brian Cushing in 2009.
Chosen as the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Anderson played in 13 games, achieving 45 tackles, of which 10 were for a loss, generating 67 pressures, accomplishing 7.0 sacks, defending one pass, and blocking one field goal.
Setting a new record for the Texans, his 7.0 sacks this season are the highest by a rookie in the franchise’s history, and his 67 pressures were the most by any rookie in the league this year. Ending on a high note, Anderson’s exceptional debut season was recognized with a Pro Bowl selection, making him only the second defensive rookie in the team’s history to earn the honor.
Conclusion
The NFL’s future looks bright with these rising stars making their presence felt on the field. Each brings unique skills that highlight their potential and elevate the game. While watching these players today is exciting, their career trajectories suggest even greater performances ahead. Keeping an eye on their development will be fascinating for any football fan.
