Browns 2016

The Browns have many players under age 25, such as (clockwise from top left) Danny Shelton, Duke Johnson, Corey Coleman, Justin Gilbert, Joel Bitonio and Cameron Erving. But how do they stand up against under-25 players on other NFL teams?

(cleveland.com photos)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Browns tight ends coach Greg Seamon recently tagged his group as "Gary and the Kids," having a little fun with the fact that Gary Barnidge is a ninth-year pro and the rest of the unit is six guys under age 24.

Truth is, the Browns have a lot of youth at almost every position. They have 38 rookie or first-year players. They have 53 players under age 25. While that will change once Hue Jackson starts trimming the roster, the Browns could be one of the youngest teams in the NFL this season.

The Browns were 16th youngest last season, with an average age of 26.06 years. They were in the top three in both 2013 and 2012.

Youth can be good, though, especially if that youth is talented. So how good are the young players on the Browns? That's a question Football Outsiders tried to tackle for ESPN recently by ranking the under-25 talent of each NFL team. The idea is to create a ranking that balances opportunity with performance and potential.

The Browns landed at No. 29.

The rankings methodology includes number of snaps and games started in 2015, whether or not a young player was simply an injury replacement, All-Pro and Pro Bowl status, 2016 draft value and expected number of starters under 25. Stats are also considered, along with positional values and a team's track record of developing talent.

Football Outsiders notes that while the Browns should have near double-digit contributors under 25, too many are unproven.

The 2015 performances of running backs Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson (more than 1,800 combined yards) were singled out as a positive, along with the play of guard Joel Bitonio. First-round draft pick Corey Coleman has great potential, but Cameron Erving -- who is now learning a new position -- struggled last season.

Defensively, Xavier Cooper, Danny Shelton and Christian Kirksey were singled out as expected starters, but their stats from 2015 were underwhelming.

Football Outsiders ranked the Browns 12th in 2015, and said they could've been ranked in the top three if not for Josh Gordon's suspension, Johnny Manziel's inability to win the starting job and the disappointing play from high draft picks Barkevious Mingo and Justin Gilbert.

Of course, under-25 talent doesn't always mirror success, and Football Outsiders points that out by noting the Cowboys were ranked No. 1 and the Seahawks No. 32 last year. The Patriots are ranked last this year.

The full rankings are posted on ESPN.com, but you'll need an Insiders account to view the entire thing.