Fansided

The top 25 NFL players under the age of 25

By Russell S. Baxter

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 20: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs grimaces after being hit during the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 20: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs grimaces after being hit during the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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METAIRIE, LA – MAY 23: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) during practice on May 23, 2019 at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility in Metairie, LA. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
METAIRIE, LA – MAY 23: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) during practice on May 23, 2019 at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility in Metairie, LA. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

The persona of the New Orleans Saints has certainly changed these past two seasons. Perhaps that’s the biggest reason that Sean Payton’s club has gone from explosive on offense and porous on defense to arguably the most balanced team in the National Football League.

One of the biggest factors when it comes to that new philosophy has been an emphasis on the offensive line and the play of running back Alvin Kamara. Paired with Mark Ingram the past two seasons, the former University of Tennessee standout has been among the most versatile and productive skill players in the league since arriving as a third-round draft choice in 2017.

During his debut campaign, Kamara rolled up 1,554 yards from scrimmage, scored 13 touchdowns and captured NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. This past season, the 23-year-old offensive weapon totaled 1,592 scrimmage yards and 18 scores. It adds up to an impressive 3,146 yards rushing and receiving and 31 TDs (22 rushing, 9 receiving) in as many regular-season outings. In ’18, the young standout made 13 starts and for the second consecutive season caught exactly 81 passes.

This offseason, the Saints inked former Minnesota Vikings’ running back Latavius Murray while Ingram moved onto Baltimore. Recently, the team added Javorius Allen, late of the Ravens. Sean Payton’s team has its share of proven performers in the backfield. It also has Kamara, who consistency early in his career has been impressive indeed.

Next: No. 7

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