By Sunday 
If you’ve been paying any attention to Detroit lately — and no, we’re not talking about the auto industry — you’d know the Lions are no longer the NFL’s lovable underdogs. They’re contenders. And not just for a playoff spot, but for something far bigger. Super Bowl big.
And a huge reason? The Lions are stacked with young, explosive talent — the kind that’s not just good now, but scary-good for years to come.
Detroit’s Future Looks Bright
In a recent ranking by Pro Football Focus’ Jonathon Macri, five Detroit Lions players landed in the Top 25 NFL Players Under 25 Years Old. That’s more than any other team in the league — yeah, even the Texans. It’s a huge statement about how well Detroit has been building its roster.
Let’s break it down:
- Penei Sewell took the No. 1 overall spot on the list. Not just top tackle, not just top Lion — he’s the best under-25 player in the entire NFL.
- Brian Branch, the do-it-all safety, came in at No. 8.
- Jahmyr Gibbs, the lightning-fast backfield threat, landed at No. 10.
- Sam LaPorta, already one of the league’s most reliable tight ends, showed up at No. 23.
- Kerby Joseph, a ball-hawking safety with a knack for big moments, closed out the list at No. 25.
That’s a pretty incredible spread across offense and defense.
Not Just the Big Five
What’s even crazier? The Lions had more young studs that didn’t even make the list.
- Jameson Williams quietly passed 1,000 yards last season and is still just 24.
- Terrion Arnold, the rookie corner, is only 22 and already making waves in camp.
- Aidan Hutchinson is somehow still 24 — he turns 25 in August — and has become the face of the defense.
- Jack Campbell just missed the cutoff too, turning 25 just before the season kicks off.
And we haven’t even seen what this year’s rookie class can do.
Built for Now and Later
The Lions aren’t just in win-now mode — they’re in win-later mode too. Their roster is the perfect storm: experienced veterans, star young players, and depth across key positions.
This is what it looks like when a franchise gets it right — smart drafting, player development, and the kind of culture that players buy into. Detroit isn’t just chasing a Super Bowl window. They’re building a house with floor-to-ceiling windows.
So buckle up, Lions fans. The kids are alright — and they’re only getting better.