Donte Whitner

[BuckeyeBill]

This kid is only 20 years old. Most people at this age are either looking for a job or entering their sophmore year in college. He's playing football for the Buffalo Bills! Is this too young?

[nick in* england]

Probably too young to make a BIG impact this year. He's still got some growing to do.

[Lurker]

Running backs Barry Sanders and Walter Payton were both 20 when they were drafted. Jamir Miller was 20 when he was drafted.

 

Last year, Utah quarterback Alex Smith was 20 when he was drafted, becoming the second-youngest player in draft history, behind only Michael Vick, to be chosen with the first overall selection.

 

And Maryland defensive end/linebacker Shawne Merriman, grabbed by San Diego with the 12th pick in the first round, is actually 18 days younger than Smith. Still, they were the only Day-1 players chosen last year who were under 21.

[stevewin]

I remember when I first slowly came to the realization that most pro athletes were younger than me - after years of considering them to be "my age". Now that I am middle age - it *really* strikes me sometimes now how many of them are just kids!