The top 25 NFL players under the age of 25

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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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28, 2018: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns avoids the pressure from linebacker T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter of a game on October 28, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won 33-18. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

17. OLB T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers

As has been well-documented and discussed, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a habit of drafting defensive players in the first round as of late. April’s selection of University of Michigan linebacker Devin Bush marked the seventh consecutive year that the Black and Gold opted to bolster this side of the football in the first round. It also marked the fifth time over that span that general manager Kevin Colbert and the organization opted for a linebacker.

There have certainly been some hits and misses. But it’s been so far so good for 2017 first-rounder T.J. Watt. As a rookie, he totaled 52 tackles, seven sacks, one interception and a forced fumble while knocking down seven passes. A year ago, he finished fifth on the club with 68 stops, totaled team highs in sacks (13) and forced fumbles (6) and was credited with three passes defensed. The 30th-overall pick in the ’17 draft has also blocked a field goal in each of this first two seasons.

But the 24-year-old performer is not only looking to up his game, he wants to be a big factor elsewhere. “Also trying to build that leadership role,” explained the two-year pro recently to Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com, “and trying to be a guy that some of the younger guys can look up to and be a tone setter in general for the team.”

I feel like I haven’t totally proved myself. But through what I have done around here, the extra work that everyone see me put through work that I can start to get into that leadership role and have a voice on this defense.”

Next: No. 16

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