Detroit Lions dominate CBS under-25 offensive and defensive teams

Brad Holmes' first three drafts as Detroit Lions' general manager have yielded rare fruit, and those players have shaped the core of one of the best teams in the NFL. How this year's draft class fits in and continues that run is to be determined, but Holmes will surely keep the pipeline of young talent flowing.

Aaron Schatz of ESPN had a glowing review of the Lions' young talent this offseason, tabbed as players under 25 years old with size of role/impact in mind. So it's not a surprise to see more great reviews of the young talent Detroit has, and CBS Sports has doubled-up with it.

Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports assembled the best offense comprised of players who are under 25 and will be at the start of the season. The Lions led the way with three players-wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta and right tackle Penei Sewell.

Here's what Dajani wrote about each.

St. Brown: "St. Brown used to be one of the most underrated wide receivers in the NFL, but we can't call him underrated anymore after the contract he signed this offseason. The former No. 112 overall pick had a career year in 2023 despite having to deal with some injuries. St. Brown's 119 receptions tied for second in the NFL, his 1,515 receiving yards ranked third and his 10 receiving touchdowns tied for fourth. He recorded nine 100-yard receiving games last season, and is one of just five players to record 100 receptions in each of the past two seasons."

LaPorta: "LaPorta set a rookie tight end record by catching 86 passes in his first NFL season, and turned those 86 receptions into 889 yards and 10 touchdowns -- which led all tight ends. It was undoubtedly one of the best rookie campaigns in NFL history, as Iowa continues to churn out stars at tight end. The Detroit Lions have plenty of weapons, but LaPorta quickly emerged into a trusted target of Jared Goff."

Sewell: "This one was easy, as Sewell is already one of the best tackles in the entire league. In 2023, he allowed the lowest pressure rate (3.0%) among tackles, earning Sewell his first All-Pro selection and second straight Pro Bowl bid. It's why Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million extension with Detroit this offseason."

St. Brown barely qualifies, since he'll turn 25 on October 24. But he fit the criteria of under 25 as of Week 1, so he was an easy inclusion. LaPorta and Sewell were no-brainers.

Detroit Lions dominate CBS under-25 offensive, defensive teams

Dajani has also put together the best defensive team of players who are under 25 years old. The Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs are tied for the most with two representatives.

Here's what Dajani wrote about Aidan Hutchinson....and Alim McNeill.

Hutchinson: "The Michigan kid who also played his college football at Michigan and is now starring for the Detroit Lions has proven to be an NFL star, as he built on his impressive rookie season with 51 combined tackles, 11.5 sacks, 33 QB hits, seven passes defended, three forced fumbles and an interception in 2023. Hutchinson also recorded 101 pressures, which ranked second in the NFLbehind the great Micah Parsons."

McNeill: "Still one of the most underrated players in the league, McNeill recorded 32 combined tackles, 10 QB hits and a career-high five sacks for the Lions in just 13 games played in 2023. He's such a disruptive player in the middle, and should cash in very soon with him being in a contract year." 

On the offensive side, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson got the nod over Lions' running back Jahmyr Gibbs on CBS' under-25 team, and Jets running back Breece Hall got the second-team nod over Gibbs. On the defensive side of the under-25 team, Brian Branch would have needed a more specific label of nickel corner to get any acknowledgement after what he did in that role as a rookie.