Pick the New Crop of HOF Wide Receivers (1 Viewer)

[David Yudkin]

There have been a million and one threads on who makes the HOF and who doesn't. Today's topic: WIDE RECEIVERS.There are currently 26 WR in the HOF. here is a breakdown of when they played. If a player played even a single year in that decade, he is included in that decade, so the same guy could be included in 3 decades. (For players that played more than one position, they are included only if they are listed as a WR as their primary position.)1911-20: 21921-30: 41931-40: 51941-50: 71951-60: 81961-70: 91971-80: 101981-90: 51991-2000: 12001-Present: None eligibleBasically, the 70s as a decade saw the most future HOFers at WR with 10. To be clear, those players could also have played in the 60s or 80s, and they would be INCLUDED in those decades as well.Just to point out, there have only been 5 players that played WR since 1981 to have been inducted.NOW FOR THE FUN PART!Since no decade has had more than 10 WR that played in the same decade, for argument's sake, let's say that there CANNOT be more than 10 guys that will go in that played in the 90s and that there cannot be more than 10 guys that get in from the 00s. The exercise here is to pick AT MOST 10 WR from each list as HOFers.To be clear, if a player played in both the 90s and 00s, he must appear on your list of 10 in that decade.WR FROM THE 1990s:*James Lofton (He MUST be on your list as he's already inducted.)Jerry RiceCris CarterTim BrownAndre ReedArt MonkMarvin HarrisonRandy MossJimmy SmithIrving FryarHenry EllardMichael IrvinKeyshawn JohnsonAndre RisonIsaac BruceRod SmithTerrell OwensGary ClarkTerrance MathisEric MouldsTorry HoltSterling SharpeKeenan McCardellWR FROM THE 2000s:Jerry RiceCris CarterTim BrownMarvin HarrisonJimmy SmithKeenan McCardellKeyshawn JohnsonIsaac BruceRod SmithTerrell OwensEric MouldsRandy MossTorry HoltLarry FitzgeraldAnquan BoldinSteve SmithHines WardChad JohnsonReggie WayneAndre Johnson*** PLUS ***Any other current player not listed*** AND ***Any WR to debut in 2006-2010Now have at it. You can only have 9 guys from the 90s and James Lofton, and you can only have 10 guys from the 00s (and remember only half the decade has been played so far!). And you have to include a player on BOTH lists if he is listed on both lists.So who ya got???? (The point of all this was to show that there are a ton of WR candidates and very few spots available.)

 

[stevec]

David:I like the premise. A lot. However:1. WR careers have trended longer lately, so we will see guys play in more decades. Rice, Brown, Lofton, etc. I think we may actually see slightly more than 10 guys from either of these 2 decades when all is said & done.2. All non-QB positions are relatively under-represented versus QB's. WR's are not the worst of the spots, but it wouldn't surprise me greatly to see WR induction tick upward slightly with voters not being able to get their heads around all the big numbers we're seeing from a number of players. Another reason we may see more than 10 WR's.That said, here's a list with your rules, takign the 10 max:90's:LoftonRiceCarterHoltHarrisonBrownIrvinReedMonkOwens00's:RiceBrownCarterRMossHoltHarrisonOwenswith 3 to be determined - although I think you'll actually see Rice, Brown, & Carter count as last generation, allowing mayeb 12 who play in the 00's, not the 10 you're expecting.

 

[TommyGilmore]

90s:

In

James Lofton

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Tim Brown

Should Get In:

Andre Reed

Art Monk

Marvin Harrison

Randy Moss

Michael Irvin

On The Bubble:

Jimmy Smith

Irving Fryar

Henry Ellard

Isaac Bruce

Terrell Owens

Rod Smith

Torry Holt

2000s:

In:

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Tim Brown

Should Get In:

Marvin Harrison

Randy Moss

On The Bubble:

Jimmy Smith

Terrell Owens

Rod Smith

Torry Holt

Too Soon To Tell:

Larry Fitzgerald

Anquan Boldin

Steve Smith

Hines Ward

Chad Johnson

 

[shadyridr]

*James Lofton (He MUST be on your list as he's already inducted.)Andre ReedMarvin HarrisonRandy MossIsaac BruceTorry HoltJerry RiceCris CarterTim BrownLarry FitzgeraldChad JohnsonMy predictions 11 overall

 

[redman]

I hate to say it, but Terrell Owens should be a lock to get into the HoF. check out his all-time career rankings:

Among the league's all-time top 50[b]Receptions: 22 Receiving yards: 20[/b]Receiving TDs: 4 Yards from scrimmage: 48 Rush/Receive TDs: 12

I highlight the yards and receptions because his yards ranking is higher than his receptions ranking, which means he averages more yards per catch than many of the players in that top-50 all time peer group. He's a dolt who I don't want playing for my team, but the guy's talent is undeniable.

 

[David Yudkin]

I think you'll actually see Rice, Brown, & Carter count as last generation, allowing maybe 12 who play in the 00's, not the 10 you're expecting.

I personally don't see the HOF changing its voting ways, so I don't ever expect the 10 I'm suggesting in this thread. I think it will be maybe 6-8 from each decade (although certainly others are worthy).WR has been one of the toughest positions to get in. Maybe they adjust accordingly in the future and start adding WR, but at this point there has not been any evidence to suggest that.As you mentioned, players are playing a lot longer than they used to, so there will be a lot more players with huge career numbers--especially 10-20 years from now. They can't all make it in.

 

[Jason Wood]

WR FROM THE 1990s:

*James Lofton

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Tim Brown

Andre Reed

Art Monk

Marvin Harrison

Randy Moss

Jimmy Smith

Irving Fryar

Henry Ellard

Michael Irvin

Keyshawn Johnson

Andre Rison

Isaac Bruce

Rod Smith

Terrell Owens

Gary Clark

Terrance Mathis

Eric Moulds

Torry Holt

Sterling Sharpe

Keenan McCardell

WR FROM THE 2000s:

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Tim Brown

Marvin Harrison

Jimmy Smith

Keenan McCardell

Keyshawn Johnson

Isaac Bruce

Rod Smith

Terrell Owens

Eric Moulds

Randy Moss

Torry Holt

Larry Fitzgerald

Anquan Boldin

Steve Smith

Hines Ward

Chad Johnson

Reggie Wayne

Andre Johnson

 

[David Yudkin]

I gotta ask, JW . . .No T.O.? He's already 4th all-time in receiving TD and Top 20-25 in receptions and yardage.He could end up in the Top 5 in all three if he played 3 more years (he's 32).Granted, he is the bassest of the bad with regards to reputation s, but still . . .

 

[Jason Wood]

I gotta ask, JW . . .

No T.O.? He's already 4th all-time in receiving TD and Top 20-25 in receptions and yardage.

He could end up in the Top 5 in all three if he played 3 more years (he's 32).

Granted, he is the bassest of the bad with regards to reputation s, but still . . .

Sour grapes, plain and simple.

 

[Marvelous]

1911-20: 21921-30: 41931-40: 51941-50: 71951-60: 81961-70: 91971-80: 101981-90: 51991-2000: 12001-Present: None eligible

Based on these numbers, it looks like there is room for 2-5 more WRs for the 1981-1990 range. But a lot of these players played in the 80s, so this decade could go over 10 if you are not careful.The following players also played in the 80s:RiceCarterBrownIrvinMonkA. ReedThis list is not exhaustive, so there are probably others.

 

[Mungo Burrows]

While the decade thing is interesting, I think it's also useful to look at who stands out amongst peer groups. From the "Previous Generation" areRiceCarterT.BrownIrvin (not that I'd necessarily put him in, but I expect it to happen)The ones from the "Current Generation" are from rough estimations based on their career so far, not necessarily "if they retired today"HarrisonMossOwensHoltAnd then I think you might get one or two additional member into each group so I'll say Reed in the first group, and maybe Ward for his blocking/toughness or Bruce in the second group) Anything from the "Next Generation" (Fitz, Boldin, Chad J., many other candidates) is too early to tell.

 

[C & C]

WR FROM THE 1990s:*James LoftonJerry RiceCris CarterTim BrownMichael IrvinRandy MossMarvin HarrisonTorry HoltWR FROM THE 2000s:Jerry RiceCris CarterTim BrownMarvin HarrisonRandy MossTorry HoltLarry FitzgeraldChad Johnson

 

[dutch]

WR FROM THE 1990s:

*James Lofton (He MUST be on your list as he's already inducted.)

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Tim Brown

Andre Reed

Art Monk

Marvin Harrison

Randy Moss

Jimmy Smith

Irving Fryar

Henry Ellard

Michael Irvin

Keyshawn Johnson

Andre Rison

Isaac Bruce

Rod Smith

Terrell Owens

Gary Clark

Terrance Mathis

Eric Moulds

Torry Holt

Sterling Sharpe

Keenan McCardell

WR FROM THE 2000s:

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Tim Brown

Marvin Harrison

Jimmy Smith

Keenan McCardell

Keyshawn Johnson

Isaac Bruce

Rod Smith

Terrell Owens

Eric Moulds

Randy Moss

Torry Holt

TOO EARLY TO TELL

Larry Fitzgerald

Anquan Boldin

Steve Smith

Hines Ward <-------- 1 or 2 from this group

Chad Johnson

Reggie Wayne

Andre Johnson

The other 1 or 2 from the unknown.

 

[Koya]

I only have 7 from the 90's, with another probable. The 00's are too early to tell but I would guess Chad makes it, Steve Smith might but he is off to a late start so I dont think so, and Larry Fitz has the talent.

WR FROM THE 1990s:

*James Lofton (He MUST be on your list as he's already inducted.)

Jerry Rice In

Cris Carter In

Tim Brown In

Andre Reed Not In

Art Monk In

Marvin Harrison In

Randy Moss In

Jimmy Smith Not In

Irving Fryar Not In

Henry Ellard Not In

Michael Irvin Not In

Keyshawn Johnson LoL - in his own mind maybe

Andre Rison Not In

Isaac Bruce In

Rod Smith Not In

Terrell Owens Not In

Gary Clark - Not In

Terrance Mathis - ???

Eric Moulds - Not In

Torry Holt - Will make it in barring injury

Sterling Sharpe - Not In

Keenan McCardell - Not In

WR FROM THE 2000s not on above lise:

Larry Fitzgerald - too early, who knows. he's got talent and his head on straight. but he plays for the cards

Anquan Boldin - too early, probably not

Steve Smith - early, maybe but probably not

Hines Ward - probably not, but might deserve it more than others (wont have numbers)

Chad Johnson - Probably makes it

Reggie Wayne - No

 

[dutch]

I only have 7 from the 90's, with another probable. The 00's are too early to tell but I would guess Chad makes it, Steve Smith might but he is off to a late start so I dont think so, and Larry Fitz has the talent.

WR FROM THE 1990s:

*James Lofton (He MUST be on your list as he's already inducted.)

Jerry Rice In

Cris Carter In

Tim Brown In

Andre Reed Not In

Art Monk In

Marvin Harrison In

Randy Moss In

Jimmy Smith Not In

Irving Fryar Not In

Henry Ellard Not In

Michael Irvin Not In

Keyshawn Johnson LoL - in his own mind maybe

Andre Rison Not In

Isaac Bruce In

Rod Smith Not In

Terrell Owens Not In

Gary Clark - Not In

Terrance Mathis - ???

Eric Moulds - Not In

Torry Holt - Will make it in barring injury

Sterling Sharpe - Not In

Keenan McCardell - Not In

WR FROM THE 2000s not on above lise:

Larry Fitzgerald - too early, who knows. he's got talent and his head on straight. but he plays for the cards

Anquan Boldin - too early, probably not

Steve Smith - early, maybe but probably not

Hines Ward - probably not, but might deserve it more than others (wont have numbers)

Chad Johnson - Probably makes it

Reggie Wayne - No

Sour grapes for you as well, Koya?

 

[Koya]

I only have 7 from the 90's, with another probable.  The 00's are too early to tell but I would guess Chad makes it, Steve Smith might but he is off to a late start so I dont think so, and Larry Fitz has the talent.

WR FROM THE 1990s:

*James Lofton (He MUST be on your list as he's already inducted.)

Jerry Rice In

Cris Carter In

Tim Brown In

Andre Reed Not In

Art Monk In

Marvin Harrison In

Randy Moss In

Jimmy Smith Not In

Irving Fryar Not In

Henry Ellard Not In

Michael Irvin Not In

Keyshawn Johnson LoL - in his own mind maybe

Andre Rison Not In

Isaac Bruce In

Rod Smith Not In

Terrell Owens Not In

Gary Clark - Not In

Terrance Mathis - ???

Eric Moulds - Not In

Torry Holt - Will make it in barring injury

Sterling Sharpe - Not In

Keenan McCardell - Not In

WR FROM THE 2000s not on above lise:

Larry Fitzgerald - too early, who knows. he's got talent and his head on straight. but he plays for the cards

Anquan Boldin - too early, probably not

Steve Smith - early, maybe but probably not

Hines Ward - probably not, but might deserve it more than others (wont have numbers)

Chad Johnson - Probably makes it

Reggie Wayne - No

Sour grapes for you as well, Koya?

Why would I have sour grapes? The guy was a (perhaps the) lead factor in my teams biggest rival blowing up this year.Owens has skills that are amongst the very elite. His raw numbers will be very, very impressive. But in my book, his behavior has been such a detriment - numerous times with more than one team - that you have to include the negatives along with the positives.

It is hard for me to put a guy in the HoF that I would not even want on my team. Numbers and talent alone mean nothing without helping a team win - and NOT helping a team implode.

 

[Koya]

I hate to say it, but Terrell Owens should be a lock to get into the HoF.

check out his all-time career rankings:

Among the league's all-time top 50Receptions: 22 Receiving yards: 20Receiving TDs: 4 Yards from scrimmage: 48 Rush/Receive TDs: 12I highlight the yards and receptions because his yards ranking is higher than his receptions ranking, which means he averages more yards per catch than many of the players in that top-50 all time peer group. He's a dolt who I don't want playing for my team, but the guy's talent is undeniable.

His talent is not only HoF - but elite HoF.His career, because of all the negatives he brings (which are documented and have been repeated), does not achieve that level imo.

 

[dutch]

I only have 7 from the 90's, with another probable.   The 00's are too early to tell but I would guess Chad makes it, Steve Smith might but he is off to a late start so I dont think so, and Larry Fitz has the talent.

WR FROM THE 1990s:

*James Lofton (He MUST be on your list as he's already inducted.)

Jerry Rice In

Cris Carter In

Tim Brown In

Andre Reed Not In

Art Monk In

Marvin Harrison In

Randy Moss In

Jimmy Smith Not In

Irving Fryar Not In

Henry Ellard Not In

Michael Irvin Not In

Keyshawn Johnson LoL - in his own mind maybe

Andre Rison Not In

Isaac Bruce In

Rod Smith Not In

Terrell Owens Not In

Gary Clark - Not In

Terrance Mathis - ???

Eric Moulds - Not In

Torry Holt - Will make it in barring injury

Sterling Sharpe - Not In

Keenan McCardell - Not In

WR FROM THE 2000s not on above lise:

Larry Fitzgerald - too early, who knows. he's got talent and his head on straight. but he plays for the cards

Anquan Boldin - too early, probably not

Steve Smith - early, maybe but probably not

Hines Ward - probably not, but might deserve it more than others (wont have numbers)

Chad Johnson - Probably makes it

Reggie Wayne - No

Sour grapes for you as well, Koya?

Why would I have sour grapes? The guy was a (perhaps the) lead factor in my teams biggest rival blowing up this year.Owens has skills that are amongst the very elite. His raw numbers will be very, very impressive. But in my book, his behavior has been such a detriment - numerous times with more than one team - that you have to include the negatives along with the positives.

It is hard for me to put a guy in the HoF that I would not even want on my team. Numbers and talent alone mean nothing without helping a team win - and NOT helping a team implode.

I dunno, TO is perhaps The Best reciever of this generation and he's already helped both the Niners and the iggles to winning records and playoff victories with his dominating skills. Jackass? Yes! Premiere talent? Yes! I think he can be a butt plug but I would do back flips if he was signed by the Bills. It would have to be an incentive laden short term deal to compensate for his possible outburts but I think h's worth the chance. And I definitly see his as a hall of fame career.

 

[CalBear]

90s:

Should be in (given expected production for Harrison and Moss)

Lofton

Rice

Carter

Brown

Monk

Harrison

Moss

Still a shot

Holt

TO

2000s

Should be in

Rice

Carter

Brown

Harrison

Moss

Still a shot

Holt

TO

Likely candidates with more years

Anquan Boldin

Steve Smith

Chad Johnson

Fitzgerald (maybe)

 

[CalBear]

I dunno, TO is perhaps The Best reciever of this generation and he's already helped both the Niners and the iggles to winning records and playoff victories with his dominating skills.

TO's playoff record with the Eagles is 0-1. He's 4-4 with the Niners, but was only a significant contributor to two of those wins.

 

[gman8343]

I dunno,  TO is perhaps The Best reciever of this generation and he's already helped both the Niners and the iggles to winning records and playoff victories with his dominating skills.

TO's playoff record with the Eagles is 0-1. He's 4-4 with the Niners, but was only a significant contributor to two of those wins.

He was the only bright spot in that loss for the Eagles. Tough to catch a ball when your QB is too tired to raise his arms. Can't put the blame on that loss on him, not one bit of it.

 

[dutch]

I dunno,  TO is perhaps The Best reciever of this generation and he's already helped both the Niners and the iggles to winning records and playoff victories with his dominating skills.

TO's playoff record with the Eagles is 0-1. He's 4-4 with the Niners, but was only a significant contributor to two of those wins.

Year Opp Result | RSH YD TD | REC YD TD---------------------+-----------------+-----------------

1996 phi W,14-0 | 0 0 0 | 1 7 0

1997 min W,38-22 | 0 0 0 | 4 49 1

1997 gnb L,10-23 | 0 0 0 | 6 100 0

1998 gnb W,30-27 | 0 0 0 | 3 73 1

1998 atl L,18-20 | 0 0 0 | 8 73 0

2001 gnb L,15-25 | 0 0 0 | 4 40 0

2002 nyg W,39-38 | 0 0 0 | 9 177 2

2002 tam L,6-31 | 0 0 0 | 4 35 0

*2004 nwe L,21-24 | 0 0 0 | 9 122 0

---------------------+-----------------+-----------------

TOTAL | 0 0 0 | 48 676 4

I see major contributions by TO in 6 of his 9 playoff games, including last years tremendous effort in the SB. Added to his still more than solid and often spectacular play during the regular season and I dont think anyone can say TO's on-field effort or overall stats will keep him out. Koya, and others, feel his off field bs should or will cost him induction. I simply believe that being an ### is not enough in and of itself to keep you out.

 

[Bri]

I dunno,  TO is perhaps The Best reciever of this generation and he's already helped both the Niners and the iggles to winning records and playoff victories with his dominating skills.

TO's playoff record with the Eagles is 0-1. He's 4-4 with the Niners, but was only a significant contributor to two of those wins.

interesting, I can't recall ever seeing a WRs playoff record being mentioned in a HOF discussion.What do you think of Cris Carter?

 

[dutch]

I dunno,  TO is perhaps The Best reciever of this generation and he's already helped both the Niners and the iggles to winning records and playoff victories with his dominating skills.

TO's playoff record with the Eagles is 0-1. He's 4-4 with the Niners, but was only a significant contributor to two of those wins.

He was the only bright spot in that loss for the Eagles. Tough to catch a ball when your QB is too tired to raise his arms. Can't put the blame on that loss on him, not one bit of it.

I'll be the first to admit I expected very little from Owens in the sb, what with the broken leg and all. on the effort and productin. on effing up a chance to go at it again.

 

[Sinrman]

90s:

In

James Lofton

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Tim Brown

Should Get In:

Art Monk

Marvin Harrison

Randy Moss

Michael Irvin

On The Bubble:

Jimmy Smith

Isaac Bruce

Terrell Owens

Rod Smith

Torry Holt

Andre Reed

2000s:

In:

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Tim Brown

Should Get In:

Marvin Harrison

Randy Moss

On The Bubble:

Jimmy Smith

Terrell Owens

Rod Smith

Torry Holt

Too Soon To Tell:

Larry Fitzgerald

Anquan Boldin

Steve Smith

Hines Ward

Chad Johnson

 

[dutch]

I dunno,  TO is perhaps The Best reciever of this generation and he's already helped both the Niners and the iggles to winning records and playoff victories with his dominating skills.

TO's playoff record with the Eagles is 0-1. He's 4-4 with the Niners, but was only a significant contributor to two of those wins.

interesting, I can't recall ever seeing a WRs playoff record being mentioned in a HOF discussion.What do you think of Cris Carter?

As for Carter, you look at his yearly yardage totals and they look nice but nothing too oustanding. Same for per rec. figures. Of course, the fact that he hauled in a ton of passes every year makes up for some of this and helps his hof standing.

But it's his td totals that really push him over the top. I just went back and looked at his numbers and it turns out he was in the top 5 for rec. td's 7 times and 6th once. Amazing. This adds up to second all-time in rec. td's and that combined with his other stats puts him in the hof easily.

 

[CalBear]

I dunno, TO is perhaps The Best reciever of this generation and he's already helped both the Niners and the iggles to winning records and playoff victories with his dominating skills.

TO's playoff record with the Eagles is 0-1. He's 4-4 with the Niners, but was only a significant contributor to two of those wins.

interesting, I can't recall ever seeing a WRs playoff record being mentioned in a HOF discussion.What do you think of Cris Carter?

I was specifically responding to someone who said he helped the Niners and Eagles to playoff victories. Producing in losses is not helping a team to a victory.

 

[David Yudkin]

I don't think Keyshawn has much of a chance, but riddle me this Batman . . .Johnson currently has 744 receptions (20th all time), 9756 receiving yards (27th all-time) and 60 TD.At 33, he's a possession receiver, and lack of speed probably won't impact him that much. So with 3 more years he might end with 950 receptions, 12000 yards, and 80 TD.That still might not be enough, but that could be Top 5 in receptions and Top 15 in the other categories.

 

[dutch]

I don't think Keyshawn has much of a chance, but riddle me this Batman . . .

Johnson currently has 744 receptions (20th all time), 9756 receiving yards (27th all-time) and 60 TD.

At 33, he's a possession receiver, and lack of speed probably won't impact him that much. So with 3 more years he might end with 950 receptions, 12000 yards, and 80 TD.

That still might not be enough, but that could be Top 5 in receptions and Top 15 in the other categories.

Shoot, Reed was the number one target for years on the Bills sb teams. Steve Largent set all-time highs before he retired as a possesion reciever. Irvin, imo, was a great possesion reciever and major contributer to the dominate team of the 90's. Many argue Monk has the creds to get in the hall based on his steady play. Keyshawn lacks when compare to everyone of them. Largent is in and the toher three may make it. Keyshawn is gonna have a loooong wait. imo, of course.

 

[dutch]

I dunno,  TO is perhaps The Best reciever of this generation and he's already helped both the Niners and the iggles to winning records and playoff victories with his dominating skills.

TO's playoff record with the Eagles is 0-1. He's 4-4 with the Niners, but was only a significant contributor to two of those wins.

interesting, I can't recall ever seeing a WRs playoff record being mentioned in a HOF discussion.What do you think of Cris Carter?

I was specifically responding to someone who said he helped the Niners and Eagles to playoff victories. Producing in losses is not helping a team to a victory.

TO was a major contributor in 3 of 4 playoff victories fro his team. He also played very well in 3 of 5 playoff losses experienced by his team. My first sentence backs up my claim, the second bolsters TO's studliness.

 

[Tau837]

First off, interesting post. I haven't seen anyone select Rod Smith, but then again I'm not sure if SSOG has been here yet. So perhaps this post is getting the contemporaries/era point across that wasn't reaching everyone in the Smith (and McCardell, and Jimmy Smith, and Bruce) HOF threads.

Next, I can't believe the lack of respect for Andre Reed. I expect him to get in this year, which is his first year of eligibility. He is in the top 10 in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs, made 9 Pro Bowls, and played in 4 Super Bowls. Woodrow even chose Jimmy Smith over him. I think it will be cool if Reed and Thurman Thomas both make it this year in their first year of eligibility.

Moving on, some other thoughts.

According to Positions - Pro Football Hall of Fame, there are 19 modern era WRs. At least that is the number in parentheses there. But the list below only contains 17 names. Does anyone know if the number is truly 17 or 19, and, if 19, who the missing two players are?

Here are the 17 HOF modern era WRs listed there (incidentally, Modern Era is defined as a majority of a members' career occurring after 1946):

Class of 1968

Elroy (Crazylegs) Hirsch

- last year played 1957

- inducted 6th year eligible*

- also played HB (but only 74/317/2 rushing)

Class of 1970

Tom Fears

- last year played 1956

- inducted 9th year eligible

- 1 time finalist*

Pete Pihos

- last year played 1955

- inducted 10th year eligible

- 1 time finalist*

Class of 1973

Raymond Berry

- last year played 1967

- inducted 1st year eligible

Class of 1975

Dante Lavelli

- last year played 1956

- inducted 14th year eligible

- 6 time finalist*

Class of 1978

Lance Alworth

- last year played 1972

- inducted 1st year eligible

Class of 1983

Paul Warfield

- last year played 1977

- inducted 1st year eligible

Bobby Mitchell

- last year played 1968

- inducted 10th year eligible

- also played HB (513/2735/18 rushing)

- 1 time finalist

Class of 1984

Charley Taylor

- last year played 1977

- inducted 2nd year eligible

- 2 time finalist

Class of 1987

Don Maynard

- last year played 1973

- inducted 9th year eligible

- 8 time finalist

Class of 1988

Fred Biletnikoff

- last year played 1978

- inducted 5th year eligible

- 5 time finalist

Class of 1995

Steve Largent

- last year played 1989

- inducted 1st year eligible

Class of 1996

Charlie Joiner

- last year played 1986

- inducted 5th year eligible

- 5 time finalist

Class of 1998

Tommy McDonald

- last year played 1968

- inducted 25th year eligible

- Old-timer/senior nominee

- 2 time finalist

Class of 2001

Lynn Swann

- last year played 1982

- inducted 14th year eligible

- 14 time finalist

Class of 2002

John Stallworth

- last year played 1987

- inducted 10th year eligible

- 8 time finalist

Class of 2003

James Lofton

- last year played 1993

- inducted 5th year eligible

- 3 time finalist

Notes:

- * designates finalists whose careers ended before 1964. Finalists were not tracked before 1970, so we can't tell how many times these players were finalists

- Art Monk has been a finalist every year since he became eligible

- Michael Irvin was a finalist last year in his first year of eligibility

- Bob Hayes was a finalist in 2004, his only year as a finalist (he has been eligible since 1981)

- No other WRs have been finalists in recent years that have not been inducted

- For the class of 2006, Monk, Irvin, and Reed are the WRs among the 25 semifinalists

Observations/thoughts:

1. 17 modern era WRs have been inducted since 1968. That is 17 in 38 classes, or about 1 every 2.2 classes.

2. 6 WRs have been inducted in the past 11 classes, which may indicate a slight acceleration in the rate. This is reasonable, given the rule changes from 1974 to 1978 that opened up the passing game. However, one of those players was an Old-timer committee nominee, not sure if or how much that matters. Regardless, it is hard for me to see more than 5-6 WRs being inducted within any given 10 year period... I can't see that much of an acceleration of the WR rate.

3. I'm less familiar with the players in the early 1970s, so I'm not sure of this, but I believe Hayes, Irvin, and Monk are the only finalist WRs in the past 25 years or so not yet inducted. I doubt Hayes will make it, and it is a bit odd that he suddenly appeared as a finalist for one year, but I think this probably bodes well for Monk and Irvin.

4. As noted, this is Reed's first year of eligibility. Carter will be eligible in 2008. Tim Brown & Rice will both be eligible in 2010. IMO all of these guys will (and should) make it, and I could see these 4 plus Irvin and Monk making it over the next 10 years. I think this amazing set of WRs pretty much eliminates any chance for any other guys like (e.g., Fryar, Sharpe, or Rison) to sneak in there during that span.

5. It will presumably be another 7+ years before Harrison, Owens, Moss, Rod Smith, Jimmy Smith, McCardell, Bruce are eligible, depending on when they retire. Personally, I would expect Harrison, Owens, and Moss to ultimately make it, and none of these others. But it's just too hard to see 7-15 years into the future how players will measure up against each other and against history.

6. I have too much time on my hands!

 

[GiantsRule]

Where's "domer" to claim that Rice shouldn't go in because he's a product of the system?

 

[denver90]

WR FROM THE 1990s:

*James Lofton (He MUST be on your list as he's already inducted.)

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Tim Brown

Andre Reed

Art Monk

Marvin Harrison

Randy Moss

Jimmy Smith

Irving Fryar

Henry Ellard

Michael Irvin

Keyshawn Johnson

Andre Rison

Isaac Bruce

Rod Smith

Terrell Owens

Gary Clark

Terrance Mathis

Eric Moulds

Torry Holt

Sterling Sharpe

Keenan McCardell

WR FROM THE 2000s:

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Tim Brown

Marvin Harrison

Jimmy Smith

Keenan McCardell

Keyshawn Johnson

Isaac Bruce

Rod Smith

Terrell Owens

Eric Moulds

Randy Moss

Torry Holt

Larry Fitzgerald

Anquan Boldin

Steve Smith

Hines Ward

Chad Johnson

Reggie Wayne

Andre Johnson

*** PLUS ***

Any other current player not listed

*** AND ***

Any WR to debut in 2006-2010

 

[oso diablo]

WR FROM THE 1990s:*James Lofton (He MUST be on your list as he's already inducted.)Jerry RiceCris CarterTim BrownMarvin HarrisonRandy MossTerrell OwensTorry HoltWR FROM THE 2000s:Add Larry Fitzgerald

 

[jetpack]

Because we have to*James Lofton HOF First BalotJerry RiceMarvin HarrisonRandy MossHOF Balot before heading to Vets CommitteeCris CarterHave to keep their noses clean for 5-10 years before being consideredMichael IrvingTerrell OwensVets Committee picks 50 years in the future when everyone is senileTim Brown (didn't really define his era or his position or win a championship)Too early to tell, but has a good shotTorry HoltPlayers like Jimmy Smith, Art Monk, and Andre Reed belong in the Hall of the Very Good. The rest are pretty much just spackle or they just haven't done enough yet.

 

[cobalt_27]

WR FROM THE 1990s:

1. James Lofton

2. Jerry Rice

3. Cris Carter

4. Tim Brown

5. Andre Reed

Art Monk - Long, nice career, but sorry, no.

6. Marvin Harrison

Randy Moss - Needs to have a reasonably good 2nd half of career

Jimmy Smith - Not in this crop

Irving Fryar

Henry Ellard

7. Michael Irvin - Marginal. 50:50

Keyshawn Johnson - Prolly, but no lock

Andre Rison

Isaac Bruce

Rod Smith

Terrell Owens - Needs 2 more dominant years

Gary Clark

Terrance Mathis

Eric Moulds

8. Torry Holt

Sterling Sharpe - Opposite of Monk

Keenan McCardell

WR FROM THE 2000s:

Larry Fitzgerald - Better chance than Boldin, me thinks

Anquan Boldin

Steve Smith

Hines Ward

9. Chad Johnson System + Talent + Longevity = HOF; First two seem set

Reggie Wayne - We'll see once he separates from MH

Andre Johnson

That's 9 with Owens, Moss, Key, and Fitz as wildcards.

 

[redman]

I just discovered a great video that refutes a bunch of the arguments against Art Monk being inducted into the Hall of fame.

You can find the entire video here.

If that link doesn't work for you, you can watch it on YouTube in six parts here: Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6.

I think this video does as good of a job as any of showing how uninformed many fans and sports writers are who are questioning his credentials.

 

[Ghost Rider]

You gotta think the personalities and off-the-field problems of Moss and Owens will hurt them a bit when they become eligible. Their numbers, when their careers are all said and done, will probably make them seem like locks, but neither will be. One or both might get in, but probably not the first time they are eligible.

 

[redman]

You gotta think the personalities and off-the-field problems of Moss and Owens will hurt them a bit when they become eligible. Their numbers, when their careers are all said and done, will probably make them seem like locks, but neither will be. One or both might get in, but probably not the first time they are eligible.

This actually ties in well with the arguments regarding Monk. Not publicized much, but touched on in the video I posted and absolutely supported in fact are the fact that Monk was a team player who did everything to lead his team and help it to win, including bolstering struggling teammates, calling team meetings when the team was down, blocking downfield, making tough catches, etc. This is where Owens and Moss fall short. They have eye-popping plays and amazing stats, but at the end of the day you are left wondering whether those play-making skills they have have been worth the burden that their personalities were to their team and teammates.

 

[Floyd The Barber]

Am I the only one who thinks Randy Moss isn't a Hall of Famer?

He doesn't block. He's a got a bad attitude. He's a bad example and team mate. He rarely even bothers to give an effort anymore. His reputation is now one of not only giving up on plays, but games. Even PLAYOFF games. All the stats in world may not salvage him with the Hall of Fame voters. At least if they have any integrity.

Even the worst of the so-called "bad seed" bad boys like Lawerence Taylor and T.O. ever gave up between the lines.

IMO, unless Moss revives his career to break all the records, he ain't getting in.

 

[CalBear]

Am I the only one who thinks Randy Moss isn't a Hall of Famer?He doesn't block. He's a got a bad attitude. He's a bad example and team mate. He rarely even bothers to give an effort anymore. His reputation is now one of not only giving up on plays, but games. Even PLAYOFF games. All the stats in world may not salvage him with the Hall of Fame voters. At least if they have any integrity.Even the worst of the so-called "bad seed" bad boys like Lawerence Taylor and T.O. ever gave up between the lines.IMO, unless Moss revives his career to break all the records, he ain't getting in.

If Moss retired today, he probably wouldn't get in. But he's not far off, even if he never gets back to his Minnesota form. If he manages even just 3000 more career yards, he'll be in the top 5 in TDs and top 10 in yardage, and everyone ahead of him will be in. He'll get in.

 

[CalBear]

I just discovered a great video that refutes a bunch of the arguments against Art Monk being inducted into the Hall of fame.

You can find the entire video here.

If that link doesn't work for you, you can watch it on YouTube in six parts here: Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6.

I think this video does as good of a job as any of showing how uninformed many fans and sports writers are who are questioning his credentials.

I don't think this video is at all compelling. Yeah, he converted a lot of third downs. Yeah, he had John Madden flapping his lips about what a great receiver he was (like that's rare). Yeah, he had some good catches. But I'm sure you could make a similar video about Andre Reed or Jimmy Smith or Keyshawn Johnson. That doesn't change where they are on the all-time lists (Monk: #11 in yardage, #30 in receiving TDs), and it doesn't change the comparison to other receivers.

 

[redman]

I just discovered a great video that refutes a bunch of the arguments against Art Monk being inducted into the Hall of fame.

You can find the entire video here.

If that link doesn't work for you, you can watch it on YouTube in six parts here: Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6.

I think this video does as good of a job as any of showing how uninformed many fans and sports writers are who are questioning his credentials.

I don't think this video is at all compelling. Yeah, he converted a lot of third downs. Yeah, he had John Madden flapping his lips about what a great receiver he was (like that's rare). Yeah, he had some good catches. But I'm sure you could make a similar video about Andre Reed or Jimmy Smith or Keyshawn Johnson. That doesn't change where they are on the all-time lists (Monk: #11 in yardage, #30 in receiving TDs), and it doesn't change the comparison to other receivers.

A whole host of Hall of Famers disagree with you. Still, you were dead on about Kyle Boller, so . . .

 

[CalBear]

A whole host of Hall of Famers disagree with you. Still, you were dead on about Kyle Boller, so . . .

What a brilliant comment--now it's completely obvious that Monk should be in the Hall of Fame!Enjoy another year of the Redskins sucking.

 

[redman]

A whole host of Hall of Famers disagree with you. Still, you were dead on about Kyle Boller, so . . .

What a brilliant comment--now it's completely obvious that Monk should be in the Hall of Fame!Enjoy another year of the Redskins sucking.

`

 

[aposulli]

Lumped together 90's and 00's

Locks:

*James Lofton (He MUST be on your list as he's already inducted.)

Jerry Rice

Cris Carter

Marvin Harrison

Should get in:

Tim Brown

Michael Irvin

Andre Reed

Art Monk

Just misses:

Isaac Bruce

Rod Smith

Need a little bit more help:

Terrell Owens (unless he pulls another T.O. and gets kicked off a team)

Torry Holt (needs 3-4 more years of Pro-bowl caliber production)

Randy Moss (If I had to predict, I would say he won't have enough uber-productive years)

All of these guys need to do more work but I think have a chance:

Larry Fitzgerald

Steve Smith

Hines Ward

Chad Johnson

Reggie Wayne

Andre Johnson

Calvin Johnson

 

[redman]

Why is Marvin Harrison a "lock", while Art Monk is a "should get in"?

 

[Chris Smith]

Why is Marvin Harrison a "lock", while Art Monk is a "should get in"?

Marvin Harrison : six times - top six in receiving yards

: five times - top three in receptions

: eight times - top four in receiving touchdowns

: eight straight 1,000 yard seasons and 10+ touchdown seasons

122 career touchdowns (3rd alltime in receiving touchdowns) in eleven seasons

4th alltime in receptions and 6th in receiving yardage

... and he is still playing ...

Art Monk

: three times top ten receiving yardage

: three times top three receptions

: one time top ten in touchdowns

: five 1,000 yard seasons

: no 10+ touchdown seasons...

: 68 touchdowns in sixteen seasons

NO WAY does Art Monk belong in the Hall of Fame or being compared to Marvin Harrison in the same sentence. His chief claim to fame is surviving for 16 years.

 

[Koya]

Only change I would see on my list, is that Chad is not looking that likely. I thought his career was about to explode after some very good years - but I dont see him as an elite football player right now.

Holt is getting darn close to "In" and not in with a couple more years.

Would be cool to do this for RBs, in the same style.

 

[redman]

Why is Marvin Harrison a "lock", while Art Monk is a "should get in"?

Marvin Harrison : six times - top six in receiving yards

: five times - top three in receptions

: eight times - top four in receiving touchdowns

: eight straight 1,000 yard seasons and 10+ touchdown seasons

122 career touchdowns (3rd alltime in receiving touchdowns) in eleven seasons

4th alltime in receptions and 6th in receiving yardage

... and he is still playing ...

Art Monk

: three times top ten receiving yardage

: three times top three receptions

: one time top ten in touchdowns

: five 1,000 yard seasons

: no 10+ touchdown seasons...

: 68 touchdowns in sixteen seasons

NO WAY does Art Monk belong in the Hall of Fame or being compared to Marvin Harrison in the same sentence. His chief claim to fame is surviving for 16 years.

What allowance do you make for the different eras of football they played in, or for the obvious differences in the skill of their QB's?