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10 Underrated NFL players under 25 years old in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a fumble recovery in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a fumble recovery in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 18: Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson #33 celebrates his touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Ford Field on November 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 18: Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson #33 celebrates his touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Ford Field on November 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

9. RB Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions

It’s safe to say that running back Kerryon Johnson is chomping at the bit when it comes to his second NFL season. And offseason preparation is obviously very important when it comes to this talented player.

"“Last year I didn’t get this time,” said the former University of Auburn standout in early May to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. “Last year, you’re preparing for the Combine and all that. You don’t really get a chance to get better at football and really get that much stronger and really work on your specific skills. “I got a full three and a half months or whatever it (was) and I think that time that I’ve put in and the work I’ve put in, hopefully, will pay off this season.”"

A second-round pick by the Detroit Lions a year ago, the 21-year old runner played in just 10 games during his debut campaign. He totaled a team-high 641 rushing yards and three scores on 118 carries. He also added 213 yards and one touchdown on 32 receptions.

And with the hiring of new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, it will be interesting to see the kind of year Johnson has if he can stay healthy. Especially when you consider that he never totaled at least 20 carries in any of his 10 appearances.

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