The NFL draft has always been a stage for young talent to showcase their potential and begin their professional careers. Among these athletes, some have stood out not just for their skill but for the remarkable fact that they were drafted at an exceptionally young age. This article dives into the stories of some of the youngest players ever drafted into the NFL, examining their careers from early beginnings to current status.
Amobi Okoye, DT, Houston Texans (2007 NFL Draft)
19 years, 10 months
In 2007, Amobi Okoye became the youngest player ever drafted into the NFL at 19 years and 10 months old. Okoye was born in Anambra State, Nigeria, and moved to Alabama at the age of 12. After just two weeks in middle school, he advanced to 9th grade and began playing football as a sophomore in high school.
Okoye, a defensive tackle, launched his career at the University of Louisville, where he stood out and earned first-team All-Big East recognition. The Houston Texans selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, making history as the youngest player ever drafted, a record he still holds to this day.
Okoye’s rookie season earned him the title of Defensive Rookie of the Month in September 2007, and he ended the season with 5.5 sacks. He later played for the Chicago Bears and was briefly with the Dallas Cowboys. Though health issues impacted his career, Okoye’s early entry into the NFL and impressive start set a high standard for young players aspiring to join the league.
Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Buffalo Bills (2018 NFL Draft)
19 years, 11 months
Tremaine Edmunds made history as the second teenager ever selected in the NFL draft, chosen 16th overall by the Buffalo Bills at age 19. Now 25, he has seamlessly transitioned from a promising rookie to a seasoned veteran in the NFL.
Renowned for his adaptability on the field, Edmunds excels in both pass rushing and run defense, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Bills’ defensive lineup. His performances earned him Pro Bowl nods in 2019 and 2020, and in May 2021, the Bills activated the fifth-year option on Edmunds’ rookie contract, with his standout season in 2022 highlighting his dominance in pass coverage. Then, in March 2023, Edmunds secured a four-year, $72 million deal with the Chicago Bears, elevating him to one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL.
Elmer Angsman, HB, Chicago Cardinals (1946 NFL Draft)
20 years, 1 month
Elmer Angsman was drafted at age 20 in the 1946 NFL Draft by the Chicago Cardinals. While Angsman may not be as widely recognized as others, his impact was undeniable. He spent his entire four-year NFL career with Chicago, with his most memorable performance coming in the 1947 NFL Championship Game, which included two 70-yard touchdown runs.
Although he retired after the 1952 season, Angsman remained involved in football as a color commentator. His legacy as one of the NFL’s youngest and most talented players endured after he passed away in 2002. He left behind a lasting impact on the sport he loved.
Danielle Hunter, LB, Minnesota Vikings (2015 NFL Draft)
20 years, 6 months
Danielle Hunter was drafted at 20 years old into the NFL by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. As a defensive end, he quickly became known for his athleticism, setting records as the youngest player to achieve 50 career sacks. Despite his youth, Hunter’s stellar performance earned him numerous awards and four Pro Bowl selections. After eight seasons with the Vikings, he signed a two-year deal with the Houston Texans in March 2024.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons (2021 NFL Draft)
20 years, 6 months
Kyle Pitts was drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Pitts amassed 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and scored a touchdown. His performance earned him a place on the PFWA All-Rookie team and a Pro Bowl selection in his debut year.
Now 22, he has quickly established himself as a key player for the Falcons, known for creating mismatches against defenses. His talent and impressive abilities suggest he is just beginning a career that could see him become one of the league’s premier tight ends. On April 29, the Falcons exercised the fifth-year option on Pitts’ contract.
