NFL 2009 Chris Johnson Titans
RB Chris Johnson, Titans Leads NFL in rushing (1,730)

The future looks promising for a young cast of star-studded NFL players around the league.

"The talent pool for young NFL players is incredible," says NFL.com senior analyst GIL BRANDT, the former Dallas Cowboys vice president of player personnel. "I think we have a good group of young players come into the league every year, because of the good things that they do in high school and college. The guy that comes into the league today is so much stronger than ever before and so much better prepared than ever before."

With two games remaining in the 2009 regular-season, seven players who were 25 years old or younger on Kickoff Weekend lead or are tied for first in several key statistical categories through Week 15.

"The NFL's young players have a very bright future," says NFL Network analyst CHARLES DAVIS. "If you're talking about SANTONIO HOLMES of Pittsburgh, look what he's already done in the Super Bowl. Look at AARON RODGERS how, after waiting his turn in Green Bay, he has done very well. You're also looking at young players like CHRIS JOHNSON and what he's doing in Tennessee. I just talked about the skill players -- I hadn't even gotten to the meat and potatoes, the big guys. I think overall the young talent is really good."

Following are the players age 25 and younger on Kickoff Weekend in 2009 that lead the NFL in various statistical categories through Week 15 (Comments by Gil Brandt

WR Miles Austin, Cowboys

Tied for NFL lead in TD receptions (11)

"He has the chance to be an All-Pro player for many years to come. He is that good. He has very strong hands. He can just physically take the ball from defenders."

S Jairus Byrd, Bills

Leads NFL in interceptions (9)

"Jairus has terrific ball skills. He's very instinctive. He has an advanced understanding of the game. He is very active in defending the pass and he immediately knows where the ball is going."

TE Vernon Davis, 49ers

Tied for NFL lead in TD receptions (11)

"He's the fastest tight end I've ever seen. It's amazing, especially at that weight. And he runs with short, choppy steps, almost like a running back. With his ability to block, he is a complete tight end."

LB Elvis Dumervil, Broncos

Leads NFL in sacks (15)

"He has unbelievable first-step quickness. He can rush the passer and moves well in all directions. He is hard to block and never quits trying to make the play. If you think you have him blocked, don't stop blocking him because he gets off blocks."

RB Chris Johnson, Titans

Leads NFL in rushing (1,730)

"He has track speed on a football field. He has amazing patience when he is running the ball. He has great vision to go along with the great speed that he possesses. He is the league's best all-around back in my opinion."

RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars

Tied for NFL lead in rush TDs (15)

"Jones-Drew is a short, but strong, back with natural running skills. He has outstanding strength and balance, is very quick to the hole and is a good receiver. He is having an outstanding season."

RB Adrian Peterson, Vikings

Tied for NFL lead in rush TDs (15)

"He has great acceleration when he runs. Nobody ever catches him from behind. He is also a strong runner between the tackles and can get outside. You can't say enough about his ability."

 

NFL 2009 - Young Talent Shines Bright in the NFL