The list of semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021 has been released. Here's the list:
Eric Allen-I don't see much of a case here. Good career, but not HOF worthy. Was more of a top-10 CB during his career than an elite guy.
Jared Allen-I'd vote for him. He was the best pass rusher in the NFL for about 4-5 years.
Willie Anderson-I'd vote for him. I think he's grossly underrated simply because the Bengals sucked for most of his career. Funny how when Palmer blew up, suddenly Anderson was a pro bowler. He didn't suddenly start playing better. Best RT of his generation.
Ronde Barber-I'd vote for him, 3rd best player on an all-time great defense. Was basically the prototype cover 2 CB.
Cornelius Bennett-Don't see much of a case here. 2nd best defender on an offensive led 4 time AFC champion.
Tony Boselli-I'd vote for him. He's the OL version of Terrell Davis, short run, but highly elite.
LeRoy Butler-Really should have been in by now. Extremely underrated safety who was better in the same time frame than a few DBs who recently got in. Also invented the Lambeau leap.
Alan Faneca-Should have been a 1st ballot HOF'er. Best G of his generation in my opinion. Better than Allen, Shields or Hutchinson.
Rodney Harrison-Hall of very good. Close, but no cigar.
Torry Holt-I'd say no way, but Bruce got in, and Holt was better than Bruce in my opinion.
Calvin Johnson-He should get in. Might not be 1st ballot though.
John Lynch-Like Harrison, he's hall of very good, though I'd put him ahead of Harrison. Was less important than Barber in my opinion.
Peyton Manning-As easy a 1st ballot HOF'er as there can be.
Clay Matthews Jr.-Good, not great, player who played forever. Honestly, has no business being nominated. I'd vote for his son before him.
Sam Mills-Don't really see a case here. Though Rickey Jackson got in, and Mills was better than him in NO. Swilling was better than both and is never nominated, nor should he be.
Richard Seymour-I'd vote for him. personally, I'd argue he was the Patriots best defensive player through their run.
Steve Tasker-Nope
Fred Taylor-Not even close. Wasn't a top-5 RB from his own era. Frankly, he wouldn't be my 1st pick of Jaguars RBs.
Zach Thomas-Should have been in years ago, arguably 1st ballot. Was better than Urlacher according to this Bears fan. I think he gets overshadowed because he was never the clear cut best MLB in the NFL, but its not his fault he was drafted the same year as Ray Lewis.
Hines Ward-I'd say no way, but he's got his supporters. This feels like Bruce all over again, where he'll get in at some point over better WRs.
Reggie Wayne-I think he was never as good as his numbers, and would have been merely a solid starter if not for Manning. That said, the numbers put him ahead of Holt. I'd say no.
Patrick Willis-I'd vote yes as a 1st ballot HOFer. Best LB in the league for 5 great years. Another guy I thought was better than Urlacher.
Charles Woodson-I'd say yes to Woodson. The rare DB who peaked in his 30s. Was best defensive player on a Super Bowl champ.
Darren Woodson-I'd say yes to this Woodson as well, though not ahead of Charles. Safety is an underrepresented position in the HOF.
Keep in mind that Tom Flores is the Coach Nominee, Bill Nunn is the Contributor Nominee, and Drew Pearson is the Senior Nominee for the Class of 2021. As far as I'm concerned, besides Peyton Manning, the two other names that stick out are Calvin Johnson and Charles Woodson. Who does everyone believe will be part of the Class of 2021?