All-Under-25 team: Who are the best young players in the NFL?

All-Under-25 team: Who are the best young players in the NFL?USA TodayBy: Steven Ruiz | May 17, 2016 1:56 pm Football is a young man’s game. The physicality of the sport shortens careers, so teams always have to have an eye on the future when building their rosters. With that in mind, we’ve put together a team of the best young stars who will dominate the league in the very near future — if they aren’t doing so already. Only players under the age of 25 as of today were considered. Let’s meet the team…OffenseQuarterbackNFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at St. Louis JAMEIS WINSTON, BUCCANEERSAaron Doster-USA TODAY SportsThe Buccaneers have found their franchise quarterback. Winston quelled any fears about his funky release and questionable decision-making doing him in at the pro level. While Winston can still improve in both of those aspects, he belonged as the leader of an offense. From pocket presence to making tight-window throws, Winston did everything you expect out of NFL passer. And at 22, he’s got the highest ceiling of any young QB in the league.Reserve: Marcus Mariota, TitansRunning backTODD GURLEY, RAMSNow this was a tough decision. Le’Veon Bell is an all-around back who deserves all of the praise he gets. But Gurley’s combonation of speed and strengh make him a once-in-a-generation runner. He was able to produce behind an unproven line while Bell has a star-studded unit creating holes for him in Pittsburgh. Gurley managed to top the 1,000-yard mark despite missing three games.Reserve: Le’Veon Bell, SteelersWide receiversWR1: DEANDRE HOPKINS, TEXANSWR2: ALLEN ROBINSON, JAGUARSWR3: ODELL BECKHAM JR., GIANTSThe NFL is loaded with young, talented receivers, but these three have separated themselves from the pack. We have Hopkins at the top of the depth chart thanks to his combination of hands, speed and size. You can’t go wrong with either Robinson or Beckham. Both are dangerous after the catch. Beckham has more speed, but Robinson is better in jump ball situations.Reserve: Mike Evans, BuccaneersTight endERIC EBRON, LIONSThe pickings are slim at tight end, which is how a first-round disappointment lands on the team. Ebron was much better in his second season after a disastrous rookie campaign, and he should get even more red zone opportunities with Calvin Johnson enjoying retirement.Reserve: Crockett Gillmore, RavensOffensive lineLT: TERRON ARMSTEAD, SAINTSLG: JOEL BITONIO, BROWNSC: WESTON RICHBURG, GIANTSRG: TRAI TURNER, PANTHERSRT: ROB HAVENSTEIN, RAMSThe blindside is locked down with emerging star Terron Armstead at left tackle. The athletic tackle was given a chance to play early in New Orleans, and he’s repaid the team by developing into a top-level pass protector. Bitonio narrowly beat out Dallas’ La’el Collins, mostly due to the fact he’s more experienced. Richburg was snubbed from the All-pro team, but he makes the under-25 team after a breakout sophomore season. The right side of the line is comprised of maulers with Carolina’s Turner and Los Angeles’ (man, it’s weird typing that) Havenstein.Reserves: Taylor Lewan, Titans; La’el Collins, Cowboys; Mitch Morse, ChiefsDefenseDefensive lineDE: DEMARCUS LAWRENCE, COWBOYSNT: EDDIE GOLDMAN, BEARSDT: AARON DONALD, RAMSDE: LEONARD WILLIAMS, JETSThe only obvious pick here was Donald, who is one of the five best players in the league. We could use more explosiveness at end: Lawrence is a quality edge rusher, but Williams was more of a run defender than a pass rusher during his rookie season. Bears run-stuffer Eddie Goldman anchors the line at the nose tackle position.Reserves: Preston Smith, Redskins; Grady Jarrett, FalconsLinebackersKWON ALEXANDER, BUCCANEERSC.J. MOSLEY, RAVENSANTHONY BARR, VIKINGSThis group of linebackers will cover the entire the field. Kwon Alexander is a 21-year-old playmaker who will only get better as he learns to harness his limitless athleticism. Anthony Barr is just a freak. He can rusher the passer, stuff the run and drop into coverage. C.J. Mosley is the rock in the middle. Like most Alabama products, he just knows how to play football.Reserve: Jordan Hicks, EaglesSecondaryCB1: RONALD DARBY, BILLSCB2: MARCUS PETERS, CHIEFSFS: TYRANN MATHIEU, CARDINALSSS: ERIC REID, 49ERSDarby gets the top corner spot thanks to his consistency. He may not be the play-maker Peters is, but Darby is less prone to mistakes. Peters nabbed a league-leading eight interceptions but gave up eight touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus. Tyrann Mathieu is the best defensive back in the league and can play anywhere in the secondary. Eric Reid will help in run support while still contributing in coverage.Reserves: Bashaud Breeland, Redskins; Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Packers