​The Detroit Lions are continuing to build around one of the NFL’s youngest and most talented cores, a fact that recently earned recognition from CBS Sports. In its annual Top 25 NFL players under 25 list, CBS Sports highlighted two Lions standouts: running back Jahmyr Gibbs and offensive tackle Penei Sewell. This nod underscores a growing belief among fans and observers that Detroit’s future remains exceptionally bright.
On the list, Gibbs sits at No. 9 after another electric season that has cemented him as one of the NFL’s premier playmakers. CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan highlighted Gibbs as only the second player in NFL history to average at least 5.0 yards per carry in each of his first three seasons, given a minimum of 150 rushing attempts in each year. With David Montgomery no longer in Detroit and now in Houston, Sullivan suggests Gibbs is poised to take on an even larger role in 2026. The evidence on the field backs up that optimism at every turn. In three NFL seasons, Gibbs has already accumulated 49 total touchdowns—the most ever by a player through the first three years of a career. In the last two seasons alone, he has totaled 3,768 yards from scrimmage and 38 scrimmage touchdowns, numbers that rank among the NFL’s elite.
Sewell, meanwhile, sits even higher on the list at No. 3 overall. Sullivan lauded Sewell as the “gold standard” for NFL offensive tackles, praising his dominance in both pass protection and the running game. Sewell has evolved into one of the league’s most complete offensive linemen, earning First-Team All-Pro honors in each of the past three seasons. In the most recent campaign, he allowed only three sacks, yielded just 19 pressures, and was beaten on a mere 2.1% of his pass-blocking snaps—statistical marks that place him among the elite at his position. His ability to shield Jared Goff while also opening running lanes has made him a central pillar of Detroit’s offense.
Despite notable turnover across the Lions’ roster this offseason, particularly on defense, the franchise’s foundation remains solid. Sewell anchors the offensive line, providing a stable, dominant presence, while Gibbs has emerged as one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive weapons. Together, they symbolize Detroit’s blend of youth, talent, and potential, suggesting that the Lions’ core will remain a formidable force in the league for years to come.
If both Gibbs and Sewell continue on their current trajectories, it would come as no surprise to see them climb even higher in future top-25 under-25 rankings. Their continued development should help keep the Lions in the mix among the NFL’s perennial contenders, reinforcing a hopeful narrative for Detroit fans and a compelling storyline for NFL observers and analysts alike.