The NFL draft is an annual event that is the most common source of player recruitment in the National Football League. The drafted players are paid salaries commensurate with their position. High first-round picks are paid the most, and low-round picks are paid the least. The younger an NFL draft prospect, the greater the potential for a longer career. Discover some of the youngest NFL players ever to be drafted.
As we explore the youngest players to enter the NFL, we will uncover fascinating stories of talent and determination. These players not only made history by being drafted at young ages but also laid the groundwork for their successful careers. The NFL draft serves as a platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities and make their mark in professional football.
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While the NFL has seen many young talents emerge from high schools, colleges, and overseas leagues, the data provided reflects those who entered the league at a younger age in the modern era. Note that a player's age and draft circumstances can vary due to league regulations and eligibility rules. Below are the youngest NFL players to ever be drafted.
Youngest NFL Players to Ever Be Drafted
The National Football League (NFL) has been home to some of the greatest players of all time, including legends like Tom Brady and Jerry Rice. The league is also known for nurturing young talents who often become the best players in the future. Here are the five youngest NFL players ever drafted:
| Player | Draft Age |
|---|---|
| Amobi Okoye | 19 years 10 months |
| Tremaine Edmunds | 19 years 11 months |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | 20 years |
| Elmer Angsman | 20 years 1 month |
| Danielle Hunter/Kyle Pitts | 20 years 6 months |
1. Amobi Okoye — 19 Years 10 Months
- Full Name: Amobi Okoye
- Date of Birth: 10 June 1987
- Age: 37 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Anambra, Nigeria
- Height: 6’2’’ (188 cm)
- Age Drafted: 19 years 10 months
Amobi Okoye is a Nigerian former professional American football defensive tackle who played in the NFL for nearly a decade. He played college football at Louisville and began his football career as a sophomore at Lee High School. The Houston Texans selected Amobi tenth overall in the 2007 NFL draft, making him the youngest player in NFL history to be drafted in the first round at 19 years and 10 months.
2. Tremaine Edmunds — 19 Years 11 Months
- Full Name: Fe'Zahn Tremaine Edmunds
- Date of Birth: 2 May 1998
- Age: 26 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Danville, Virginia, United States
- Height: 6’5’’ (196 cm)
- Age Drafted: 19 years 11 months
Tremaine Edmunds is a professional football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies from 2015 to 2017. Edmunds was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, making him the second youngest player ever drafted into the NFL.
3. JuJu Smith-Schuster — 20 Years
- Full Name: John Sherman "JuJu" Smith-Schuster
- Date of Birth: 22 November 1996
- Age: 27 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Long Beach, California, United States
- Height: 6’1’’ (185 cm)
- Age Drafted: 20 years
JuJu Smith-Schuster plays as a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs. He played college football for the USC Trojans and was selected 62nd overall in the 2017 NFL Draft at the age of 20 years and 4 months. Smith-Schuster has set multiple NFL records, including being the youngest player to reach 2,500 career receiving yards.
4. Elmer Angsman — 20 Years 1 Month
- Full Name: Elmer Joseph Angsman Jr.
- Date of Birth: 11 December 1925
- Date of Death: 11 April 2002
- Age: 76 years
- Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Age Drafted: 20 years 1 month
Elmer Angsman was a professional American NFL player who played seven seasons in the NFL, all with the Chicago Cardinals. He was drafted at the age of 20 years and 1 month, making him the youngest player ever drafted to play in the NFL. After retiring, Angsman became a color commentator for various networks.
5. Danielle Hunter — 20 Years 6 Months
- Full Name: Danielle Hunter
- Date of Birth: 29 October 1994
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica
- Height: 6’5’’ (196 cm)
- Age Drafted: 20 years 6 months
Danielle Hunter is a Jamaican-American professional football defensive end. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Hunter has made four Pro Bowls and continues to make an impact in the NFL.
What is the Minimum Age to Play in the NFL?
There is no official minimum age for professional football players in the NFL. However, players must be at least three years removed from high school to be eligible for the
