Future HOF Candidates (1 Viewer)

[Tau837]

All the HOF threads made me think that it could be helpful to show a list of when recent great players will become eligible.

Recent players who have a reasonable chance for election, and the years they first become eligible (only players not yet elected):

2005 - Michael Irvin (finalist 2/2) - IN

2005 - Derrick Thomas (finalist 2/2)

2006 - Thurman Thomas - LOCK (finalist 1/1) - IN

2006 - Andre Reed (semifinalist 1/1)

2006 - Dermontti Dawson (semifinalist 1/1)

2007 - Leroy Butler

2007 - Bruce Matthews - LOCK - IN

2007 - Terrell Davis - I think not

2008 - Darrell Green - LOCK

2008 - Cris Carter - LOCK

2009 - Shannon Sharpe - LOCK

2009 - Bruce Smith - LOCK

2010 - Emmitt Smith - LOCK

2010 - Jerry Rice - LOCK

2010 - Tim Brown - LOCK

2010 - Rod Woodson - LOCK

2010 - Aeneas Williams - underappreciated, but should get in

2010 - Darren Woodson

2011 - Jerome Bettis - LOCK

2011 - Deion Sanders - LOCK

2011 - Marshall Faulk - LOCK

2011 - Willie Roaf

2012 - Will Shields

2012 - Curtis Martin - LOCK

Wow, 2010 & 2011 sure look like strong classes. I think each of them has 3-4 first ballot inductees, with Bettis and Brown being the two most likely to slide to a later ballot. Strong candidates for 2012 and beyond:

QB - Brett Favre - LOCK, Peyton Manning - LOCK, Tom Brady - LOCK

RB - Priest Holmes - I don't think so, Tomlinson - not sure if he's a lock yet

WR - Marvin Harrison - LOCK, Randy Moss - LOCK, Terrell Owens - probably in already

TE - Tony Gonzalez - LOCK

OL - Larry Allen, Orlando Pace, Jonathan Ogden, Walter Jones - don't know how to distinguish between them and others above (Shields, Roaf)... will they all make it?

DL - Michael Strahan, Warren Sapp

LB - Ray Lewis - LOCK, Junior Seau - LOCK, Derrick Brooks - LOCK

CB -

S - Rodney Harrison - best chance of safeties, John Lynch, Brian Dawkins

K - Morten Andersen - if another kicker is ever going to make it...

I am clearly missing some players.

Note that I'm not really trying to list all the players who fit the "if he does such and such from here forward..." category... I am trying to list the guys with a very strong chance based on their careers to date.

Who did I miss? What do you think of my candidates above?

10/31/07 - Updated

 

[Koya]

Strahan is a lock. You have your first DL... more to come

 

[-OZ-]

A few things come to mind.

Willie Roaf should be on here.

I can see Bruce Matthews, but Leroy Butler?

He should make it, but is Tim Brown a true "lock"?

Warren Sapp will get consideration at least.

Derrick Brooks?

 

[David Yudkin]

Other canidates . . .

Ty Law

Rod Smith

Isaac Bruce

Edgerrin James

Tiki Barber

Derrick Brooks

Torry Holt

Warren Sapp

 

[Koya]

Other canidates . . .

Ty Law

Rod Smith

Isaac Bruce

Edgerrin James

Tiki Barber

Derrick Brooks

Torry Holt

Warren Sapp

Ty Law - meh, but probablyRod Smith - wont make it

Isaac Bruce - should make it, and probably will

Edgerrin James - probably not, i dont see him playing that long

Tiki Barber - got going too late, wont make it unless he has three more very good to great years

Derrick Brooks - EDIT - DEFINATELY in. I read D Thomas for some reason.

Torry Holt - possible but I dont think so. will take a lot more for a WR by then

Warren Sapp - would have thought a lock before, not sure now. I guess so?

 

[Don Quixote]

2007 also has Terrell Davis and Jamal Anderson as possibilities.

 

[Tau837]

Willie Roaf should be on here.

I agree that I overlooked Roaf. But considering how OL have been overlooked by the HOF, can Roaf, Allen, Ogden, Shields, Jones, Pace, and Matthews all make it? Matthews has an edge because he will be eligible sooner. And what about centers?

I can see Bruce Matthews, but Leroy Butler?

Well, I didn't name him a lock. I think he gets consideration. I posted his qualifications, along with those of Lynch, Dawkins, Darren Woodson, and Harrison in the Lynch HOF thread. I think (a) he is underrated and (b) the fact that he comes up for eligibility before the rest of them will help.

He should make it, but is Tim Brown a true "lock"?

IMO he is. He is currently #3 all time in receptions, #2 all time in receiving yards, #5 all time in receiving TDs, and #11 in yards from scrimmage, and he made 9 Pro Bowls. He was an All Pro kick returner once, and had over 4500 kick return yards and 4 kick return TDs. The fact that he becomes eligible before the next elite group of WRs (Harrison, Moss, Owens, etc.) helps.

Warren Sapp will get consideration at least.

I thought of him but wasn't sure how likely he is to make it. I guess he should make the list given some of the safeties I listed.

Derrick Brooks?

See Sapp. I thought of him, just wasn't sure how likely he is to make it. Again, he should be on the possible list.EDIT: Added Sapp, Brooks, Roaf.

 

[Tau837]

2007 also has Terrell Davis and Jamal Anderson as possibilities.

Yes, but I consider Davis very unlikely to make it and Anderson as having no chance. Hence, I didn't list them.That said, I do think Davis becoming eligible in 2007, before the next wave of RBs, could help him.

EDIT: I added Davis despite my feeling that he won't make it, since he will clearly merit consideration. I don't think the same is true for Anderson.

 

[Tau837]

Other canidates . . .

Ty Law

Rod Smith

Isaac Bruce

Edgerrin James

Tiki Barber

Derrick Brooks

Torry Holt

Warren Sapp

I added Brooks & Sapp to the list of possibles. I don't consider either of them locks, but both will merit strong consideration. EDIT: switched Brooks to a lock based on convincing arguments & research.I don't personally see Law as meriting strong consideration at this point. Green, Sanders, and Aeneas Williams, plus Rod Woodson and probably another safety or two, will all likely get in within the 2008 to 2015 window, and I don't see it happening for Law.

Same for Rod Smith--he suffers too much in comparison to his peers like Rice, Brown, Carter, Harrison, Moss, Owens. He could make it if he continues playing well for a while, but I stated that I'm not looking for the "if he does such and such from here forward" players.

For Isaac Bruce, see Rod Smith above.

For Barber, see Rod Smith above, but substitute peer RBs instead of peer WRs.

For Edgerrin James, not yet. Close, but not yet.

Holt still has most of his career left. Too early to say he merits strong consideration, IMO.

 

[Adrian Peterson]

Why does Rod Smith get a no - but Ike Bruce gets a yes?

I think neither of the two get in - great WR's , but not HOF material - see Art Monk.

 

[-OZ-]

Same for Rod Smith--he suffers too much in comparison to his peers like Rice, Brown, Carter, Harrison, Moss, Owens. He could make it if he continues playing well for a while, but I stated that I'm not looking for the "if he does such and such from here forward" players.

I'll take some heat for this, but if Denver makes it to the Super Bowl next year, Rod Smith is Jerome Bettis.

 

[Tau837]

Why does Rod Smith get a no - but Ike Bruce gets a yes?

I think neither of the two get in - great WR's , but not HOF material - see Art Monk.

Right. Neither gets in IMO, which is why I didn't list them in my list of strong candidates.

 

[Tau837]

Same for Rod Smith--he suffers too much in comparison to his peers like Rice, Brown, Carter, Harrison, Moss, Owens.  He could make it if he continues playing well for a while, but I stated that I'm not looking for the "if he does such and such from here forward" players.

I'll take some heat for this, but if Denver makes it to the Super Bowl next year, Rod Smith is Jerome Bettis.

Well, those aren't great odds to begin with. But even so, the comparison is not valid.Bettis is #4 in rushes, #5 in rushing yards, #8 in rushing TDs, and #12 in yards from scrimmage.

Rod Smith is currently #15 in receptions, #16 in receiving yards, #35 in receiving TDs, and #41 in yards from scrimmage.

At the end of next season, if he continues his recent performance, he would likely be hovering around #10 in receptions. Another good year after that, and he'd probably be around #7 or so, depending on how peers like Harrison, McCardell, Bruce, and Jimmy Smith perform from here.

At the end of next season, Smith would probably be around #14 in receiving yards if he continues his recent performance. Another year, and he'd still be only around #12 or so, due to the large number of his peers moving up with him. (That actually highlights his main problem.)

At the end of next season, Smith would probably only be around #25 in receiving TDs if he continues his recent performance. Another year, and he'd still only be around #20 or so.

Meanwhile, Smith has made only 3 Pro Bowls, compared to Bettis's 6. Smith has never been named All Pro; Bettis has made All Pro 2 times.

I don't see how someone can question Tim Brown and then say Rod Smith has a shot. And Smith's case is not at all similar to Bettis.

EDIT: And don't forget Rod Smith will be 36 before next season.

 

[Capella]

Derrick Brooks - almost, not quite

that guy's a lock, sorry. Only Buc I'll say that about, although Sapp is close.Nothing left for Brooks to accomplish. That guy is in.

Maybe if he screamed and did some idiotic dance like Ray Lewis, he'd get more respect from the average fan.

 

[Raider Nation]

Strong candidates for 2011 and beyond:

WR - Marvin Harrison - LOCK, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens

I think it's safe to put Moss in the LOCK category right now, even if he never takes the field again. Eight years played, 98 TDs and over 10,000 yards. Not to mention he revolutionized the position, as far as having prototype speed, size and athleticism.He's the last guy a cornerback would want to face, if they answered you honestly.

 

[Capella]

Strong candidates for 2011 and beyond:

WR - Marvin Harrison - LOCK, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens

I think it's safe to put Moss in the LOCK category right now, even if he never takes the field again. Eight years played, 98 TDs and over 10,000 yards. Not to mention he revolutionized the position, as far as having prototype speed, size and athleticism.He's the last guy a cornerback would want to face, if they answered you honestly.

I agree with this.

 

[Tau837]

Strong candidates for 2011 and beyond:

WR - Marvin Harrison - LOCK, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens

I think it's safe to put Moss in the LOCK category right now, even if he never takes the field again. Eight years played, 98 TDs and over 10,000 yards. Not to mention he revolutionized the position, as far as having prototype speed, size and athleticism.He's the last guy a cornerback would want to face, if they answered you honestly.

Probably true that he would be in if he retired today. I waffled on him originally, but I switched him to a lock.

 

[Sinrman]

2005 - Michael Irvin

2006 - Thurman Thomas - LOCK

2006 - Andre Reed

2007 - Leroy Butler

2007 - Bruce Matthews

2007 - Terrell Davis

2008 - Darrell Green - LOCK

2008 - Cris Carter - LOCK

2009 - Shannon Sharpe - LOCK

2009 - Bruce Smith - LOCK

2010 - Emmitt Smith - LOCK

2010 - Jerry Rice - LOCK

2010 - Tim Brown - LOCK

2010 - Rod Woodson - LOCK

2010 - Aeneas Williams

2010 - Darren Woodson

2011 - Jerome Bettis - LOCK

2011 - Deion Sanders - LOCK - assuming he retires now

2011 - Brett Favre - LOCK - assuming he retires now

Wow, 2010 & 2011 sure look like strong classes. Strong candidates for 2011 and beyond:

QB - Peyton Manning - LOCK, Tom Brady - LOCK

RB - Marshall Faulk - LOCK, Curtis Martin - LOCK

WR - Marvin Harrison - LOCK, Randy Moss - LOCK, Terrell Owens

TE - Tony Gonzalez - LOCK

OL - Larry Allen - LOCK, Orlando Pace - LOCK, Jonathan Ogden - LOCK, Will Shields - LOCK, Willie Roaf - LOCK, Walter Jones

DL - Michael Strahan, Warren Sapp

LB - Ray Lewis - LOCK, Junior Seau - LOCK, Derrick Brooks

CB -

S - Rodney Harrison - LOCK, John Lynch, Brian Dawkins

I can pretty much agree with each of your LOCKS. Strahan should get in IMO. Sapp should at least get some looks, and may eventually get in. Brooks should get serious consideration, and should eventually get in. The ones saying Bruce and Rod Smith I can slightly agree with, but it would likely take a couple more years for them. Bruce has one ring, and Smith two, so that definitely helps them. As for Moss and Owens... I think it'll take another 2-3 years of high production for them to get in. Their on and off field issues I think detract a LOT from people voting them in.

 

[Tau837]

Derrick Brooks - almost, not quite

that guy's a lock, sorry. Only Buc I'll say that about, although Sapp is close.Nothing left for Brooks to accomplish. That guy is in.

Maybe if he screamed and did some idiotic dance like Ray Lewis, he'd get more respect from the average fan.

There are only 16 LBs in the HOF, and only 3 of them played even one season in the past 20 years: Taylor, Singletary, and Carson. (And Carson barely did, playing from 1976-1988.)I'm not sure what to make of this, since Taylor & Singletary were LBs for the ages, and Carson was considerably less qualified IMO.

Anyway, given that only 3 have made it who played in the past 20 years, it is hard for me to see 3 peers making it. How does Brooks compare to Seau & Lewis? Am I wrong to think of them as more deserving and more likely candidates? And I'm assuming that we aren't forgetting anyone else.

 

[Capella]

Derrick Brooks - almost, not quite

that guy's a lock, sorry. Only Buc I'll say that about, although Sapp is close.Nothing left for Brooks to accomplish. That guy is in.

Maybe if he screamed and did some idiotic dance like Ray Lewis, he'd get more respect from the average fan.

There are only 16 LBs in the HOF, and only 3 of them played even one season in the past 20 years: Taylor, Singletary, and Carson. (And Carson barely did, playing from 1976-1988.)I'm not sure what to make of this, since Taylor & Singletary were LBs for the ages, and Carson was considerably less qualified IMO.

Anyway, given that only 3 have made it who played in the past 20 years, it is hard for me to see 3 peers making it. How does Brooks compare to Seau & Lewis? Am I wrong to think of them as more deserving and more likely candidates? And I'm assuming that we aren't forgetting anyone else.

I'm not sure how he doesn't match up. What more should he do? He's won a SB, won a DMVP, been the leader of the most consistent defense for 10 years, put up great numbers...what hasn't he done? How is Seau a more favorable candidate?

 

[Capella]

And honestly, I don't feel like debating the HOF thing much right now. To me, DB is a lock, as is a guy like Strahan. Not even worth talking about guys like that, to be honest -- you'd almost have to be going against the grain just for the point of arguing to say otherwise, imo.

 

[MarshallRob]

All the HOF threads made me think that it could be helpful to show a list of when recent great players will become eligible.

Recent players who have a reasonable chance for election, and the years they first become eligible (only players not yet elected):

2005 - Michael Irvin

2006 - Thurman Thomas - LOCK

2006 - Andre Reed

2007 - Leroy Butler

2007 - Bruce Matthews

2007 - Terrell Davis

2008 - Darrell Green - LOCK

2008 - Cris Carter - LOCK

2009 - Shannon Sharpe - LOCK

2009 - Bruce Smith - LOCK

2010 - Emmitt Smith - LOCK

2010 - Jerry Rice - LOCK

2010 - Tim Brown - LOCK

2010 - Rod Woodson - LOCK

2010 - Aeneas Williams

2010 - Darren Woodson

2011 - Jerome Bettis - LOCK

2011 - Deion Sanders - LOCK - assuming he retires now

2011 - Brett Favre - LOCK - assuming he retires now

Wow, 2010 & 2011 sure look like strong classes. Strong candidates for 2011 and beyond:

QB - Peyton Manning - LOCK, Tom Brady - LOCK

RB - Marshall Faulk - LOCK, Curtis Martin - LOCK

WR - Marvin Harrison - LOCK, Randy Moss - LOCK, Terrell Owens

TE - Tony Gonzalez - LOCK

OL - Larry Allen - LOCK, Orlando Pace - LOCK, Jonathan Ogden - LOCK, Will Shields - LOCK, Willie Roaf - LOCK, Walter Jones

DL - Michael Strahan, Warren Sapp

LB - Ray Lewis - LOCK, Junior Seau - LOCK, Derrick Brooks

CB -

S - Rodney Harrison - LOCK, John Lynch, Brian Dawkins

I am clearly missing some players.

Note that I'm not really trying to list all the players who fit the "if he does such and such from here forward..." category... I am trying to list the guys with a very strong chance based on their careers to date.

Who did I miss? What do you think of my candidates above?

I agree with most of this except I don't see Tim Brown as a lock. Derrick Brooks is closer to one as far as I'm concerned. And Bettis will get in, but if Thurman Thomas isn't a first-ballot HOF guy, then maybe Bettis won't be either. A lot obviously depends on who you're up against. Bettis will be up against Favre and Deion (possibly), plus leftovers from 2010, and maybe some veterans committe selections.

 

[BoulderBob]

http://www.orange32.com/grabowski/

 

[Tau837]

Derrick Brooks - almost, not quite

that guy's a lock, sorry. Only Buc I'll say that about, although Sapp is close.Nothing left for Brooks to accomplish. That guy is in.

Maybe if he screamed and did some idiotic dance like Ray Lewis, he'd get more respect from the average fan.

There are only 16 LBs in the HOF, and only 3 of them played even one season in the past 20 years: Taylor, Singletary, and Carson. (And Carson barely did, playing from 1976-1988.)I'm not sure what to make of this, since Taylor & Singletary were LBs for the ages, and Carson was considerably less qualified IMO.

Anyway, given that only 3 have made it who played in the past 20 years, it is hard for me to see 3 peers making it. How does Brooks compare to Seau & Lewis? Am I wrong to think of them as more deserving and more likely candidates? And I'm assuming that we aren't forgetting anyone else.

I'm not sure how he doesn't match up. What more should he do? He's won a SB, won a DMVP, been the leader of the most consistent defense for 10 years, put up great numbers...what hasn't he done? How is Seau a more favorable candidate?

Well, I'm not sure, that's why I asked. Here are some comparisons:Brooks:

176 games

1411 tackles

13.5 sacks

21 interceptions

104 passes defensed

21 forced fumbles

4 fumble recoveries

5 TDs

9 Pro Bowls

5 All NFL selections

1 Defensive MVP

Team 5-5 in postseason play, including 1-0 in Super Bowls

Lewis:

134 games

1295 tackles

23 sacks

21 interceptions

71 passes defensed

7 forced fumbles

11 fumble recoveries

1 TD

5 Pro Bowls

5 All NFL selections

2 Defensive MVPs - 6th player in history to win more than once; all others are HOFers, or will be (LT, Mean Joe, Bruce Smith, Singletary, Reggie White)

1 Super Bowl MVP

Team 5-2 in postseason play, including 1-0 in Super Bowls

Seau:

230 games

1670 tackles

52 sacks

15 interceptions

90 passes defensed

11 forced fumbles

17 fumble recoveries

0 TDs

11 Pro Bowls

7 All NFL selections

0 Defensive MVPs

Named to NFL's All Decade team for 1990s

Team 3-3 in postseason play, including 0-1 in Super Bowls

I know character isn't supposed to matter, but obviously Lewis trails the other two there. I'm not as certain for Brooks, but Seau has won many awards for his charitable endeavors.

Also, while it probably isn't supposed to matter much, Seau may be the best Asian American ever to play the game. (I can't think of another who was better.) We just saw that race was considered an important factor for Moon, not sure if it will be a factor for Seau or not.

It's hard for me to rank Brooks over Seau, though Brooks has a few more years left to close the gap. Of course, I suspect Capella and perhaps many others will not see a gap.

As for Lewis, his two defensive MVPs and his Super Bowl MVP should seal his induction IMO.

Maybe all 3 will make it.

 

[Capella]

Derrick Brooks - almost, not quite

that guy's a lock, sorry. Only Buc I'll say that about, although Sapp is close.Nothing left for Brooks to accomplish. That guy is in.

Maybe if he screamed and did some idiotic dance like Ray Lewis, he'd get more respect from the average fan.

There are only 16 LBs in the HOF, and only 3 of them played even one season in the past 20 years: Taylor, Singletary, and Carson. (And Carson barely did, playing from 1976-1988.)I'm not sure what to make of this, since Taylor & Singletary were LBs for the ages, and Carson was considerably less qualified IMO.

Anyway, given that only 3 have made it who played in the past 20 years, it is hard for me to see 3 peers making it. How does Brooks compare to Seau & Lewis? Am I wrong to think of them as more deserving and more likely candidates? And I'm assuming that we aren't forgetting anyone else.

I'm not sure how he doesn't match up. What more should he do? He's won a SB, won a DMVP, been the leader of the most consistent defense for 10 years, put up great numbers...what hasn't he done? How is Seau a more favorable candidate?

Well, I'm not sure, that's why I asked. Here are some comparisons:Brooks:

176 games

1411 tackles

13.5 sacks

21 interceptions

104 passes defensed

21 forced fumbles

4 fumble recoveries

5 TDs

9 Pro Bowls

5 All NFL selections

1 Defensive MVP

Team 5-5 in postseason play, including 1-0 in Super Bowls

Lewis:

134 games

1295 tackles

23 sacks

21 interceptions

71 passes defensed

7 forced fumbles

11 fumble recoveries

1 TD

5 Pro Bowls

5 All NFL selections

2 Defensive MVPs - 6th player in history to win more than once; all others are HOFers, or will be (LT, Mean Joe, Bruce Smith, Singletary, Reggie White)

1 Super Bowl MVP

Team 5-2 in postseason play, including 1-0 in Super Bowls

Seau:

230 games

1670 tackles

52 sacks

15 interceptions

90 passes defensed

11 forced fumbles

17 fumble recoveries

0 TDs

11 Pro Bowls

7 All NFL selections

0 Defensive MVPs

Named to NFL's All Decade team for 1990s

Team 3-3 in postseason play, including 0-1 in Super Bowls

I know character isn't supposed to matter, but obviously Lewis trails the other two there. I'm not as certain for Brooks, but Seau has won many awards for his charitable endeavors.

Also, while it probably isn't supposed to matter much, Seau may be the best Asian American ever to play the game. (I can't think of another who was better.) We just saw that race was considered an important factor for Moon, not sure if it will be a factor for Seau or not.

It's hard for me to rank Brooks over Seau, though Brooks has a few more years left to close the gap. Of course, I suspect Capella and perhaps many others will not see a gap.

As for Lewis, his two defensive MVPs and his Super Bowl MVP should seal his induction IMO.

Maybe all 3 will make it.

All three will make it.I've asked for years why Lewis gets so much more credit than Brooks. Looking at only the numbers, I don't see it. And I know it's just not numbers, but Brooks contributes just as much as Lewis, imo. Both were and are leaders of great, Super Bowl winning defenses.

Whatever, all three are going to be in.



Edit: Brooks is a huge character guy as well, don't think it matters though.

 

[Tau837]

I agree with most of this except I don't see Tim Brown as a lock. Derrick Brooks is closer to one as far as I'm concerned. And Bettis will get in, but if Thurman Thomas isn't a first-ballot HOF guy, then maybe Bettis won't be either. A lot obviously depends on who you're up against. Bettis will be up against Favre and Deion (possibly), plus leftovers from 2010, and maybe some veterans committe selections.

To be clear, when I say lock, I don't mean first ballot lock. I just mean I think it is a certainty the player will get in.I thought Thurman should have been in this year. Given that he wasn't, as well as the strength of the 2010/2011 classes, there is probably a good chance Bettis won't make it in on his first ballot... but I am certain he will get in.As for Tim Brown, I explained my reasoning for him in another reply above. I really can't see any chance of him not making it.

 

[Tau837]

All three will make it.I've asked for years why Lewis gets so much more credit than Brooks. Looking at only the numbers, I don't see it. And I know it's just not numbers, but Brooks contributes just as much as Lewis, imo. Both were and are leaders of great, Super Bowl winning defenses. Whatever, all three are going to be in.Edit: Brooks is a huge character guy as well, don't think it matters though.

Looking just at the numbers, Lewis has averaged more tackles, sacks, and interceptions per game, and a similar number of passes defensed and fumbles forced and recovered (combined). So I would say the numbers favor Lewis. Lewis also has one more defensive MVP and a SB MVP over Brooks. On the other hand, Lewis has had a harder time staying on the field and has had character issues.If I was an NFL team, I would rather have had Brooks' career than Lewis's career on my team.The more I think about this, the more I think all 3 of these guys will make it. I think that pretty safely rules out any other LBs until possibly Urlacher some years later.

 

[The Man With No Name]

If anyone is a lock, it's Bruce Matthews.

 

[Tau837]

There has been a few mentions of Strahan. I suppose he will make it, but consider the most recent DL and the next most likely DL to be inducted. Reggie White is arguably the best DL of all time and had 198 sacks. Bruce Smith had 195 sacks, and may be the best DE of all time. Both of them won 2 Defensive MVPs, and both played a lot in the postseason.

Strahan has 129.5 sacks and one Defensive MVP, along with the single season sack record. Certainly he is not in the class of White & Smith, but I suppose he doesn't have to be to make the HOF. That is why I didn't designate him a lock, however.

 

[Raider Nation]

Strahan has 129.5 sacks and one Defensive MVP, along with the single season sack record.

Not as far as I'm concerned. GDB Favre laying down.

 

[Bri]

Strahan has 129.5 sacks and one Defensive MVP, along with the single season sack record. 

Not as far as I'm concerned. GDB Favre laying down.

he'd still be tied for the record though

 

[Bri]

Holt's on track. I don't see how anyone could say he's not. His #s are awesome. Boldin, Fitz and some other young guns have sweet #s too but we'll see if they can keep it up.

Coates is a lock IMO but others here disagree, anyhow I think he'll be eligible soon

 

[Bri]

There has been a few mentions of Strahan. I suppose he will make it, but consider the most recent DL and the next most likely DL to be inducted. Reggie White is arguably the best DL of all time and had 198 sacks. Bruce Smith had 195 sacks, and may be the best DE of all time. Both of them won 2 Defensive MVPs, and both played a lot in the postseason.

Strahan has 129.5 sacks and one Defensive MVP, along with the single season sack record. Certainly he is not in the class of White & Smith, but I suppose he doesn't have to be to make the HOF. That is why I didn't designate him a lock, however.

Like those two did, he cut the field in half for opposing offenses. Osi looked so good and if he gets just a little bit better, I wonder if Strahan will start to find his job much easier. Although I think Strahan might be due some crazy $ this year like 15 mil or somesuch.

 

[David Yudkin]

I was not implying that guys like RSmith, JSmith, Bruce, Law, etc. were locks or even great candidates--only that they meritted consideration.

As for some of the other players mentioned . . .

Edgerrin James already is Top 20 in rushing yards and is the all-time leader in yards from scrimmage per game. In 2 more years he'll be in the Top 10 in yards from scrimmage (as will Tiki Barber).

If Terrell Davis is on the list, I can't see how Priest Holmes is not.

As for other RBs, Alexander already has 100 TD and Tomlinson has 80, so those guys both will be worthy once they call it a career.

Owens is already in the Top 4 in receiving TD with 101 and Moss is right behind him with 98. Both get in, IMO, even if they don't do much from here on out.

Holt is almost at 10,000 receiving yards in only 7 seasons. He's averaged 1450 yards receiving per yer over the past 6 years. He's the all-time leader in receiving yardage through 7 seasons with 9,487. That's a fair amount more than Moss (9,142) and Rice (9,072). Holt is a lock unless something freaky happens.

Although not a great candidate, I'm not sure we can totally rule out Drew Bledsoe. It's not out of the question that he ends up ranked Top 5 in attempts, completions, passing yards, and passing TD. And don't forget the HOF loves QBs compared to other positions.

 

[Bri]

Although not a great candidate, I'm not sure we can totally rule out Drew Bledsoe. It's not out of the question that he ends up ranked Top 5 in attempts, completions, passing yards, and passing TD. And don't forget the HOF loves QBs compared to other positions.

If Parcells builds a winner, it'll be his third Supe

 

[David Yudkin]

Coates is a lock IMO but others here disagree, anyhow I think he'll be eligible soon

Coates was great for a 6 years, but the HOF has not inducted many TEs. He is ranked 6th in receptions, 11th in receiving yards, and 6th in receiving TD for TEs (since 1960). However, he is not head and shoulders above the other players near him in any of those categories, so at the very least I would consider him a candidate but far from a lock. For example, I don't see how he's any more qualified than Todd Christensen.The only modern era TEs currently inducted are Dave Casper, Mike Ditka,

John Mackey, Ozzie Newsome, Jackie Smith, and Kellen Winslow.

 

[David Yudkin]

I don't see how Rodney Harrison is a LOCK, but maybe that's just me.

 

[On The Rocks]

All the HOF threads made me think that it could be helpful to show a list of when recent great players will become eligible.

Recent players who have a reasonable chance for election, and the years they first become eligible (only players not yet elected):

2006 - Thurman Thomas - LOCK

2010 - Tim Brown - LOCK

If Thurman Thomas was no voted in on a first ballot I doubt Tim Brown is a "LOCK".I do think Brown is a HOFer but it will be tough for him to get in on a first ballot with that 2010 class.

 

[dgreen]

2005 - Michael Irvin

2006 - Thurman Thomas

2006 - Andre Reed

2007 - Leroy Butler

2007 - Bruce Matthews

2007 - Terrell Davis

Thomas and Matthews will get in next year. After that, we'll probably see one of three receivers (Monk, Irvin, Reed) get in. I'd vote Monk, but my guess is that Irvin will get it.

 

[Newman]

Matthews is without question the biggest lock to go in next year. That one's an absolute no-brainer.

 

[Koya]

Same for Rod Smith--he suffers too much in comparison to his peers like Rice, Brown, Carter, Harrison, Moss, Owens.  He could make it if he continues playing well for a while, but I stated that I'm not looking for the "if he does such and such from here forward" players.

I'll take some heat for this, but if Denver makes it to the Super Bowl next year, Rod Smith is Jerome Bettis.

Personally, I think Smith is the better WR than Bettis is a RB, and a better football player. It is close though, and neither SHOULD be in the hall.

 

[Koya]

Derrick Brooks - almost, not quite

that guy's a lock, sorry. Only Buc I'll say that about, although Sapp is close.Nothing left for Brooks to accomplish. That guy is in.

Maybe if he screamed and did some idiotic dance like Ray Lewis, he'd get more respect from the average fan.

HUFFING ALERT. I dont know what I was reading, because D. Brooks is absolutely in and should be a first ballot guy. My bad.

I think I ready Derrick Thomas. Oops.

 

[Koya]

There has been a few mentions of Strahan. I suppose he will make it, but consider the most recent DL and the next most likely DL to be inducted. Reggie White is arguably the best DL of all time and had 198 sacks. Bruce Smith had 195 sacks, and may be the best DE of all time. Both of them won 2 Defensive MVPs, and both played a lot in the postseason.

Strahan has 129.5 sacks and one Defensive MVP, along with the single season sack record. Certainly he is not in the class of White & Smith, but I suppose he doesn't have to be to make the HOF. That is why I didn't designate him a lock, however.

He is not only an asbolute lock, but he is very close to Bruce Smith in terms of NFL ability and impact, imo. Reggie is in his own stratosphere, however.Strahan has been the best DE for a good number of years in the NFL. A torrid pass rusher who is a great run defender.

 

[The_Man]

No way does Rod Smith get in at this point.

His career numbers compare very unfavorably to Monk's, despite playing in an era when WRs' stats are greatly inflated.

Plus Monk established all-time NFL records for receptions in a career and a season, and still can't get a sniff of the Hall yet. If Monk has to go begging for close to 10 years to get in, then Smith has no shot.

 

[greendevils]

Any one think Hienz Ward will get in.

4 Pro Bowls

Super bowl win

Super bowl MVP

Steelers all time leading reciever in yards Catches and TD

Most complete Wideout in the game

and has 4 to 5 more years in him

In my opinion he is in Torry Holts league right now.

 

[Popinski]

Hines Ward vs. Torry Holt (both will be 30 entering next season, but Ward has played in 1 more season):

Ward:

574 catches, 7030 yards, 52 TDs

4 Pro-Bowls

0 All Pro-Teams

Not in the top 50 in any all-time category

1 Super Bowl title and SB MVP

Holt:

617 catches, 9487 yards, 54 TDs

4 Pro Bowls

1 All Pro-Team

38th all time in receptions

28th all time in receiving yards

1 Super Bowl title

Of course, blocking has to be considered where Ward has the edge. Right now, neither has a chance to get in. But by the time they retire could they be legitimate candidates?

 

[greendevils]

I forgot to add...

Ward- Run first team

Holt- Pass first team

 

[David Yudkin]

Any one think Hienz Ward will get in.

4 Pro Bowls

Super bowl win

Super bowl MVP

Steelers all time leading reciever in yards Catches and TD

Most complete Wideout in the game

and has 4 to 5 more years in him

In my opinion he is in Torry Holts league right now.

I think it's too early to tell on Ward, although I would say Holt is lightyears ahead at this point.As I posted early, Holt is far away the #1 WR yardage wise through his first 7 seasons. Through 8 seasons, Ward is ranked #27.

Given the lack of WR elected from the past 25-30 years, Ward will need to do a lot more to get looked at seriously.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Packer Homer checking in here. I love the game Butler brought to the table. That said, I would not clutter the list here with his name. That he even gets outside mention is as close as he should get.

Bruce Matthews is a First Ballot guy. He should be a consensus guy.

As long as Jerry Kramer sits on the outside looking in the Hall is suspect.

Randy Gradishar deserves a bust in Canton as well.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Derrick Brooks - almost, not quite

that guy's a lock, sorry. Only Buc I'll say that about, although Sapp is close.Nothing left for Brooks to accomplish. That guy is in.

Maybe if he screamed and did some idiotic dance like Ray Lewis, he'd get more respect from the average fan.

There are only 16 LBs in the HOF, and only 3 of them played even one season in the past 20 years: Taylor, Singletary, and Carson. (And Carson barely did, playing from 1976-1988.)I'm not sure what to make of this, since Taylor & Singletary were LBs for the ages, and Carson was considerably less qualified IMO.

Anyway, given that only 3 have made it who played in the past 20 years, it is hard for me to see 3 peers making it. How does Brooks compare to Seau & Lewis? Am I wrong to think of them as more deserving and more likely candidates? And I'm assuming that we aren't forgetting anyone else.

I'm not sure how he doesn't match up. What more should he do? He's won a SB, won a DMVP, been the leader of the most consistent defense for 10 years, put up great numbers...what hasn't he done? How is Seau a more favorable candidate?

Well, I'm not sure, that's why I asked. Here are some comparisons:Brooks:

176 games

1411 tackles

13.5 sacks

21 interceptions

104 passes defensed

21 forced fumbles

4 fumble recoveries

5 TDs

9 Pro Bowls

5 All NFL selections

1 Defensive MVP

Team 5-5 in postseason play, including 1-0 in Super Bowls

Lewis:

134 games

1295 tackles

23 sacks

21 interceptions

71 passes defensed

7 forced fumbles

11 fumble recoveries

1 TD

5 Pro Bowls

5 All NFL selections

2 Defensive MVPs - 6th player in history to win more than once; all others are HOFers, or will be (LT, Mean Joe, Bruce Smith, Singletary, Reggie White)

1 Super Bowl MVP

Team 5-2 in postseason play, including 1-0 in Super Bowls

Seau:

230 games

1670 tackles

52 sacks

15 interceptions

90 passes defensed

11 forced fumbles

17 fumble recoveries

0 TDs

11 Pro Bowls

7 All NFL selections

0 Defensive MVPs

Named to NFL's All Decade team for 1990s

Team 3-3 in postseason play, including 0-1 in Super Bowls

I know character isn't supposed to matter, but obviously Lewis trails the other two there. I'm not as certain for Brooks, but Seau has won many awards for his charitable endeavors.

Also, while it probably isn't supposed to matter much, Seau may be the best Asian American ever to play the game. (I can't think of another who was better.) We just saw that race was considered an important factor for Moon, not sure if it will be a factor for Seau or not.

It's hard for me to rank Brooks over Seau, though Brooks has a few more years left to close the gap. Of course, I suspect Capella and perhaps many others will not see a gap.

As for Lewis, his two defensive MVPs and his Super Bowl MVP should seal his induction IMO.

Maybe all 3 will make it.

All three will make it.I've asked for years why Lewis gets so much more credit than Brooks. Looking at only the numbers, I don't see it. And I know it's just not numbers, but Brooks contributes just as much as Lewis, imo. Both were and are leaders of great, Super Bowl winning defenses.

Whatever, all three are going to be in.



Edit: Brooks is a huge character guy as well, don't think it matters though.

I thought that Seau won a Defensive MVP in like the 94 range?I could be wrong.