Lions news: ESPN recognizes Detroit’s loaded ‘under-25’ roster

The Detroit Lions roster isn’t just stacked, it’s YOUNG, as proven by these ESPN under-25 rankings.

While 2024 certainly could be a special year for the Detroit Lions, it’s important to recognize how well they’re currently set up for long-term success. Not only are they in a great financial situation with ample cap space and no outrageously overpriced contracts on their books, but their roster is also chock-full of talent… and young talent.

That point is underscored perfectly in an article submitted to ESPN by former Football Outsiders creator Aaron Schatz. On his rankings of the top NFL rosters in under-25 talent, the Detroit Lions came in second.

Schatz’s list was curated taking into account several things: starts and snap counts from young talent, contract size, and length, quality of players, and—yes—positional ranking. All of those things considered, Schatz only had the Houston Texans (who sported last year’s Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year) above Detroit.

In fact, the Lions were actually the only team on Schatz’s list to have five under-25 players who he deemed “blue-chip players”: Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Penei Sewell, and Aidan Hutchinson. But as Schatz points out, the Lions have several other players who may not be considered blue-chippers right now but are expected to play big roles, like defensive back Brian Branch or rookie corner Terrion Arnold.

The list continues beyond that, too, with a couple of 24-year-old players Schatz points out.

“Linebacker Jack Campbell and edge rusher Josh Paschal,” Schatz wrote. “And don’t forget about 23-year-old wideout Jameson Williams, a former first-round pick whom the Lions are counting on to develop and finally reach his potential this season.”

Last year, the Lions came in third on this list and made the NFC Championship game with that young roster. With only more young talent infused into the team, the sky is the limit in 2024 and beyond.

You can see Schatz’s full list here.

• A fun game from the Lions’ social media team, but I went an easy 4-for-4:

• Brian Branch is expected to be ready by training camp, and here’s another positive sign: Branch is working out and is no longer in a walking boot.

• Another day, another national outlet giving the Lions offensive line extremely high praise:

• Cool video breakdown from The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner on a favorite third-down play from the Lions offense:

• In “old friend” news, linebacker Jahlani Tavai scored a three-year extension with the New England Patriots, with a max value of $21 million.

• Really good film breakdown of Jahmyr Gibbs’ rookie season from Russell Brown of Lions Wire.