By Sunday 
The kids are alright — and by “alright,” we mean absolute game-wreckers.
The Detroit Lions aren’t just winning games — they’re building something sustainable, flashy, and frightening for their NFC North foes. After going 15-2 last season and securing back-to-back division titles, Detroit just picked up another badge of honor: five of their young stars were named to the Top 25 NFL Players Under 25 list by The 33rd Team’s Sam Monson.
And guess what? No other team had more than three.
A Draft Class to Brag About
Let’s start with the crown jewel: Penei Sewell.
Ranked No. 2 overall, just behind Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, Sewell has quickly become one of the most dominant right tackles in the game. Forget the “under 25” qualifier — he’s one of the best linemen in football, period.
Right behind him at No. 7 is Brian Branch, a defensive back whose versatility is becoming the stuff of legend in Detroit. Whether he’s playing slot corner, safety, or doing a little bit of both, Branch is proving he belongs among the NFL’s elite.
Offense Loaded With Breakout Stars
Coming in at No. 14 and 15 are Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta — two offensive dynamos who turned heads all through 2024.
Gibbs showed off his speed and explosiveness with a 20-touchdown season. LaPorta, meanwhile, is part of a new generation of tight ends that aren’t just safety valves — they’re focal points. Both earned their spots with breakout performances that helped fuel the Lions’ high-octane offense.
And rounding out the Lions’ youth brigade is Kerby Joseph at No. 25. A ball-hawking safety with big-play ability, Joseph has quietly become one of the most impactful players on the back end of Detroit’s defense.
Where’s Hutchinson and St. Brown?
Good question — but there’s a technicality.
Aidan Hutchinson and Amon-Ra St. Brown didn’t qualify due to age. St. Brown turned 25 last October, while Hutch will hit that mark this August. Still, their exclusion only underlines how stacked this roster is across all age groups.
Imagine a list of the Top 25 Under 26. Yeah, Detroit would probably own half of it.
Championship Window: Wide Open
This isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s a warning shot.
The Lions’ young core is already competing at the highest level, and they’re locked in for the foreseeable future. With a well-rounded roster and smart front office moves, Detroit has positioned itself as a legitimate title contender not just this season, but for many seasons to come.
And while other franchises scramble to reset, rebuild, or recover from cap disasters, the Lions are rolling into 2025 with youth, talent, and momentum.
So, yeah. The kids are more than alright. They’re dangerous.