Detroit Lions: This is the Most Valuable Player Under 25
If the Detroit Lions seemed like a young team last season, it’s because they were. For 2022, the Detroit Lions actually had the NFL’s youngest roster. That’s good news for…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 11: Penei Sewell #58 of the Detroit Lions dives with the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on December 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
If the Detroit Lions seemed like a young team last season, it's because they were. For 2022, the Detroit Lions actually had the NFL's youngest roster. That's good news for the future of the team. I can't remember a time in my lifetime where we had this much promise and potential for the future of the Detroit Lions. Pass me the blue Kool-Aid. So, who is the Detroit Lions' most valuable player under 25 going into the new season?
Last year, Detroit had a good number of rookies and newer players who help bring the team to success. When I think of a successful rookie, I always think of Aidan Hutchinson. It's really great to have a hometown guy and Michigan graduate with the Lions doing great things.
Detroit Lions, Most Valuable Player Under 25:
Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com has put together a list of the five players under 25 that make him the most excited. Hutchinson, 22, came in at No. 3 on the tally. He was NFL Rookie of the Month twice last year and runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year, which is super impressive. Hutchinson is also the first rookie in NFL history to deliver a season with 9.5 sacks and at least three interceptions. When speaking during the offseason (via DetroitLions.com), Hutchinson said, "I really think just having an offseason to take my time and focus on some of my body deficiencies has helped me a ton. I can't wait." No. 2 on the list, right above Hutchinson, is Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
So, who's the Detroit Lions' most valuable player under 25? Twentyman gives No. 1 to tackle Penei Sewell. At just 22 years old, Sewell is heading into his third season in the NFL and already a Pro Bowl player. Sewell was actually the first Detroit Lions tackle to make the Pro Bowl since Lomas Brown in 1995. Twentyman adds, "He is arguably pound for pound the Lions' best athlete on the roster and he's on his way to being a perennial Pro Bowl and All Pro player for the next decade or more." Find the full list here. Listen to the latest episode of "The Squad with Anne Erickson" below.
Is it September yet? I don't want to wish away the summer, but I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Detroit Lions season. We have some incredibly solid Detroit lions players on the roster.
There's so much positive buzz out there about the Detroit Lions. Some even think this is the year we'll make it to the Super Bowl. Whether Detroit is at the big game or not, expectations are high. No matter what, it's going to be an exciting season to watch. There are several NFL teams that I'll be following this year, but the Lions are, of course, at the top of my list.
Read on for seven Detroit Lions players that will be crucial to the team's success this year. These are my personal picks. Send your picks to Anne Erickson on social media here.
Listen to "The Squad with Anne Erickson" below and wherever you listen to podcasts! On this episode, Brad Berreman of SideLion Report joins me, Anne Erickson, to talk about the Lions' picks and how the team is shaping up going into the new season. The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone. As always, the Draft brought some surprises, and that includes the Lions' picks.
7. Defensive lineman Josh Paschal
This might seem like an odd pick, as Josh Paschal had a lot of injuries last year, so he's not on the radar as much. But, the few times he did play, he was impressive. Having Pashchal (hopefully) healthy will help the Lions' defense immensely. And, that's one area that the Lions need to shine in 2022.
6. Cornerback Cam Sutton
The Detroit Lions have veteran cornerback Cam Sutton in the fold. "From the defensive side we have a lot of physical guys," Sutton said via DetroitLions.com. "A lot of hungry guys. Guys who want to get after the ball and make plays on the ball from all different levels. It's a very communicative group, very high energy and you need that tenacity that vicious mindset every time you attack the field."
5. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is a rookie, but the Detroit Lions have high expectations for him. He comes from Alabama, where he led in rushing and receiving in 2022. He also is going to be working closely with David Montgomery. as having both running backs will help keep each other rested and fresh.
4. Running back David Montgomery
Running back David Montgomery is bringing some versatility to the offensive side of the Detroit Lions. He was a solid signing, coming from the Chicago Bears, and has the potential to help improve an already solid Lions offense. I personally think he'll be one of the best in the league this year.
3. Defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson was the Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up last season, so there are a lot of expectations for the NFL player. He recorded 9.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits and three picks over the season. Very impressive!
2. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown
Pro Bowler Amon-Ra St. Brown is a huge part of the Detroit Lions' team. He had 196 receptions in his first two seasons in the league and is actually tied for the most in NFL history. Last season, he had a 106-catch, 1,161-yard season with six touchdowns.
1. Quarterback Jared Goff
Jared Goff had a stellar season in 2022 with the Detroit Lions and was at the heart of why the team won most of the second half of the season's games. He came from the Los Angeles Rams, and while in L.A., he scored two Pro Bowl berths, helped the Rams win two NFC West division titles and three playoff appearances. He also appeared with the team at Super Bowl LIII. Is another Super Bowl in his future? I hope so. I really think Goff has what it takes to take this team to the next level.
