NFL's best 25 and under: Props to Mahomes, McCaffrey, eight others

QUARTERBACK: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs, 24

What I like most: Extreme arm talent

Maybe his aggressiveness gets him in trouble from time to time, but that play-making trait is also one of his greatest assets. Mahomes has unbelievable "arm talent," scout's-speak for "this dude can really throw." I also like his ability to alter his throwing motion or change the trajectory -- he does both better than anyone, leading to chunk plays. Mahomes buys time exceptionally well and excels at beating a blitz. He's great athlete with impressive sports genes -- his dad played Major League Baseball. Although Mahomes doesn’t run like Lamar Jackson -- who does? -- he is one of the better running QBs in the NFL. Mahomes gets the nod over Jackson because he's a better passer, although Jackson is highly underrated in this regard. Let's hope for a Mahomes-Jackson AFC title game.  

Honorable mention: Lamar Jackson, Ravens, 22

RUNNING BACK: Christian McCaffrey, Panthers, 23

What I like most: Production

Even without a top-notch quarterback this season, McCaffrey is finishing off one of the greatest seasons by a running back (1,307 yards rushing, 814 receiving). Imagine those numbers if his O-line, which is mediocre, were better. McCaffrey runs superbly outside or between the tackles. I love his power and tenacity, superb vision, balance and elusiveness. McCaffrey really gives defenses a headache as a receiver. There might not be any running back better as a route runner and after the catch. 

Honorable mention: Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys, 24

WIDE RECEIVER: A.J. Brown, Titans, 22

What I like most: Power mover

Many young wideouts stand out, but Brown has been terrific in his rookie season (47 catches, 893 yards, 19-yard average), especially since Ryan Tannehill took over as starting QB in Week 7. In Week 15, Tannehill targeted Brown 13 times against the Texans, and in the past four games, he has 135, 45, 153 and 114 yards receiving. Brown reminds me of future Hall of Famer Julio Jones of the Falcons. Both run routes with authority and can shrug off smaller cornerbacks after securing the catch on the run. Brown will be one of the best receivers in the league.  

Honorable mention: D.J. Moore: Panthers, 22

TIGHT END: Dallas Goedert, Eagles, 24

What I Like Most: Well-rounded

Tight ends typically bloom late in the NFL, so there wasn't a lot to pick from. “Well rounded" doesn’t sound all that exciting, but Goedert already does everything well, rare for a young player at this position. He is a solid blocker in the run game and in pass protection. As a receiver, he has reliable hands, but he also can contort to make the spectacular reception. Goedert can nickel-and-dime a defense in the short zones and in the middle of the field, and can stretch the seam or make a big play after the catch. I wonder what Goedert, who played at South Dakota State, could do if Pro Bowler Zach Ertz weren’t in the equation. Still, he plays a ton of snaps. Perhaps the only thing Eagles fans don't like about him is his first name.

Honorable mention: Mark Andrews, Ravens, 23

OFFENSIVE LINE: Quenton Nelson, Colts, 23 (Guard)

What I Like Most: Mass

At 6-foot-5 and about 330 pounds, Nelson is built like a Coke machine. He has long arms and a low center of gravity, but he bends well, has explosion out of his stance, and can change directions in space. Nelson isn’t just an excellent athlete for a huge man; he is an excellent athlete period. Nelson regularly moves out D-linemen and is excellent hunting down smaller defenders in space. And Nelson just loves to finish off his man, a lost art in today’s NFL. Not surprisingly in an offensive line-starved league, the under-25 talent here is thin.

Honorable mention: Erik McCoy, Saints, center, 22

DEFENSIVE TACKLE: Kenny Clark, Packers, 24

What I like most: Two-way play

Although Clark was drafted in 2016, he doesn’t turn 25 until October. As a pass-rusher (5 sacks in 2019), he usually wins with sheer power, but in the last couple seasons he added several moves to his arsenal. He does a good job countering O-linemen, using long arms to lock out blockers. In the run game, Clark eats space, allowing Green Bay’s linebackers to get the ball easier, or he can shoot gaps and disrupt running backs before they get started.

Honorable mention: Vita Vea, Bucs, 24

EDGE DEFENDER: Myles Garrett, Browns, 23

What I like most: Physical gifts

Coming out of Texas A&M, Garrett was as complete a prospect as you will ever find at this position. Physically, he has it all: power, bend and leverage, strong hands, long arms and a great body (6-foot-4, 272 pounds). He runs extremely well (4.64 at combine), with long, controlled strides. With 10 sacks through Week 11, Garrett was in the conversation as Defensive Player of The Year -- until he whacked Steelers QB with a helmet in an end-of-the-game melee in Cleveland. Deservedly, he was suspended indefinitely. 

Honorable mention: Nick Bosa, 49ers, 22

LINEBACKER: Tremaine Edmunds, Bills, 21

What I like most: Length

At this time next year, Edmunds will be considered the best linebacker in the game. He has long limbs, wide shoulders and a narrow waist. Players built that way sometimes are loping movers who can’t break down in space or change directions -- they often look awkward. That isn’t Edmunds, who is a much better player than he was as a rookie in 2018. It won’t be long before Edmunds regularly plays man coverage against the league’s best tight ends and demonstrates the ability to line up on the edge and beat offensive tackles as a pass-rusher. The NFL is Edmunds’ oyster, and he won't be 22 until May! 

Honorable mention: Darius Leonard, Colts, 24

SAFETY: Derwin James, Chargers, 23

What I like most: Competitiveness

James has a lot of the same gifts as Edmunds. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he excels as deep defender (4.47 speed in 40) and can also play linebacker. When you mix his off-the-charts competitiveness with rare physical gifts, you get a potential all-time great safety. Although he missed most of the season with a foot injury, James gets the nod over the Jets' Jamal Adams and Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick in an extremely tough call. 

Honorable mention: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers, 23

CORNERBACK: Tre’Davious White, Bills, 24

What I like most: Awareness

The Bills are exceptional at taking away the long ball and creating big plays. That sums up White, who showed off his ball skills with two picks in a Week 15 win against the Steelers and "Duck" Hodges. White, who leads the league in interceptions with six, is the NFL's second-best corner, behind the Patriots' Stephon Gilmore. The third-year player can play off coverage, zone or press-man equally well. He doesn’t pause playing the run either. White has great awareness on the field -- and this first-time Pro Bowler is only going to get better.

Honorable mention: Marlon Humphrey, Ravens, 23