Fansided

NFL: Best 10 players 25 or younger

By Phil Watson

Nov 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tackle Will Beatty (65) tackles Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) after an interception during the game at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeat the New York Giants 23-0. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Dec 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tackle Will Beatty (65) tackles Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) after an interception during the game at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeat the New York Giants 23-0. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

4. Earl Thomas, S, Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks took Texas safety Earl Thomas with the 14th overall pick in the 2010 draft. Four years later, Thomas—who turned 25 on May 7—is already a two-time All-Pro and has a Super Bowl ring.

Thomas has made each of the last three Pro Bowls and hasn’t missed a start in his four-year career.

Last season, as the Seahawks won their first Super Bowl, Thomas had a career-high 105 tackles and matched career bests with five interceptions and nine passes defensed.

He also had five picks as a rookie in 2010 and has defensed 32 passes in his first four seasons.

Thomas plays free safety for Seattle and excels in pass coverage, ranking four in coverage among all NFL safeties last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

He had 24 tackles in Seattle’s three playoff wins to go with three passes defensed.

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