The NFL and world are ready to turn to another chapter, another decade. Some of the stars have already broken through while others are blossoming. A look at 20 players who will be at the top of the class for the next decade.
Aaron Donald
Aaron Donald is a beast on the Rams’ defensive line. Already a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Donald draws double- and triple-teams and still can’t be handled. A mega-star.
Brian Burns
Brian Burns was drafted by the Panthers out of Florida State. The edge rusher already has 5.5 sacks and has returned a fumble for a touchdown in his rookie season. A big, big future is on his horizon.
Devin Bush
Devin Bush was drafted by the Steelers out of Michigan and the linebacker already has proven to be one of the steals of the 2019 NFL Draft. Bush is a tackling machine and will be a new piece of the Steel City for many years.
Devin White
Another Devin out of the 2019 rookie class. Devin White was drafted out of LSU and he has immediately taken on a leadership role with the Bucs.
Cooper Kupp
The Rams have a corps of great receivers and Cooper Kupp is one of the best. Derailed by an ACL injury last season, the WR from Eastern Washington has bounced back and catches everything thrown his way.
Deshaun Watson
Dabo Swinney said many teams whiffed not taking Deshaun Watson early in the draft. The Texans are reaping the benefits of the former Clemson star, who is on his way to superstardom … if not already there.
Christian McCaffrey
The Panthers have struggled but they were super smart to get draft the brilliant Christian McCaffrey from Stanford.
George Kittle
George Kittle is a star on the field and has a megawatt personality. His run against the Saints after taking a short pass in Week 14 will be one of many highlights for one of the NFL’s best TEs.
Josh Jacobs
The Raiders dipped into the Alabama talent pool for Josh Jacobs and the rookie RB is showing signs of being the bellcow back the team has been lacking.
Marshon Lattimore
Marshon Lattimore is stud in the secondary for the Saints. He broke in with five picks as a rookie and the interception numbers have dropped, mainly because QBs know better than to pick on him.
Michael Thomas
The New Orleans Saints have an all-time great in former Ohio State wideout Michael Thomas, who simply puts up numbers that are hard to believe on a week-to-week and season-to-season basis.
Deandre Hopkins
Deshaun Watson is fortunate to have a great wideout in fellow Clemson star Deandre Hopkins, who makes the incredible catch seem ordinary and then comes up with astounding grabs that are hard to believe.
Dalvin Cook
The only thing separating Dalvin Cook from stardom was injuries. The Minnesota RB from Florida State is enjoying a banner 2019 now that he is healthy. A generational RB … if he can avoid more injuries.
Ezekiel Elliott
The Dallas Cowboys took Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth pick in the 2016 draft and the former Ohio State star produced immediate dividends and continues to give Cowboys fans a rush.
Russell Wilson
All Russell Wilson does is lead and win and accomplish the seemingly impossible for Seattle. Already a superstar, there is no question he will continue to be one of the best in the next decade.
Joey Bosa
One half of the Bosa brothers, Joey of the Chargers is a sackmaster and will lead the way for the Bolts into the next decade.
Nick Bosa
Nick Bosa is making the 49ers thrilled they were able to get him second overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. A former Ohio State star, like his brother, Nick Bosa is one of the reasons for San Francisco’s big turnaround.
Nick Chubb
The Cleveland Browns may have a lot of controversy but Nick Chubb is not part of it. The former Georgia RB could become the first Brown since Leroy Kelly in the ’60s to win the rushing title. And he is more concerned with just doing his job than personal honors. His teammates could learn from him.
Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is on an incredible run in his second season with Baltimore. The QB is the front-runner for MVP and dazzles every game. All he has to do is stay healthy to be one of the greats of the 2020s.
Patrick Mahomes
There is not a whole lot to explain when it comes to Patrick Mahomes’ superstardom. The Chiefs’ QB has stunned the NFL with his amazing performance and production this early in his career.
