So who's going to Canton? The fate of this year's class will be determined today, so who's going to get the call? Here are the top candidates:
OK, so there is there are the canidates, who should and will get the call this afternoon?
- Rod Woodson - Consider this one a lock, he was a member the the NFL's 75th anniversary team and will be heading to Canton on the first ballot.
- Bruce Smith - NFL's career sack leader with 200 sacks. Another first ballot guy who seems to be a lock.
- Bob Hayes - Eligible for 29 years, Hayes has been put back on the ballot by the senior committee and there is a sense that there is growing support of Bob Hayes finally getting the call.
- Cris Carter - I was shocked when he didn't get in last year, i will be equally shocked if they don't correct that this year. 42 100 yard games, 130 TD's, 2nd player ever to reach 1,000 catches. Enough said.
- Shannon Sharpe - Led the revolution of the TE position to what it is today. 815 receptions, 10,000+ yds, and 62 TD's. Can't see the arument against him, but some feel he's going to have to wait. IMO, he's a first ballot guy.
- Derrick Thomas - More sacks in the 90's (116.5) than any other player. Was a dominant LB who's career was cut short due to a fatal car accident. If dominance is a requirement, he defiantly fit that bill. I'd love to see his name called, but not sure he has the support.
- Richard Dent - A key member of those dominant Bears defenses. Had 137.5 career sacks. He's right there on the bubble.
- Claude Humphrey - 122 sacks and brought back to the ballot by the senior committee. Chances are increased due to this; but years spent in mediocrity keeps his profile and chances below players like Dent and Thomas.
- Randall McDaniel - One of the most dominant guards of his era who played in a record 12 straight Pro Bowls. This is his 3rd time on the ballot. I think it's a given he'll get in at some point, the question is simply when? In my opinion, he should already be there.
- Paul Tagliabue - Led the NFL through record growth. Tags will get in down the line, but I think it will wait till his legacy is further past than it is now.
- John Randle - A disruptive DT who recorded 137.5 sacks. Great player, not sure it he's a HOF player though. His chances are slim this year.
- Cortez Kennedy - 8 time pro bowler who has gotten some support, but it's not going to happen this year and not sure if it ever will.
- Dermontti Dawson - Great center who started the trend of the athlethis center. Position holds him back some, for me, he played at a HOF level though.
- Russ Grimm - played both guard and center and was a member of "The Hogs". A dominant player on a dominant line. Will it be enough? I don't see it happening anytime soon.
- Ralph Wilson - Extremely respect owner who was the founder of the Bills and was instrumental in the AFL/NFL merger. Not enough support, but definatly a very influential and respected man in the history of the league.
- Bob Kuechenberg- Played both guard and tackle and was a key part of the Dolphins undefeated season. Don Shula has been lobbing hard to get him in the hall, but his support is not enough, he's not making it in anytime soon, if ever.
- Andre Reed - Another long shot, but someone I feel should get more consideration that he does. At the time of his retirement his 951 receptions was 3rd all time and he was a key part of the Bills teams who made 4 straight SB's. He was one of the best of his generation of receviors and I'd love to see him get in some day.
OK, so there is there are the canidates, who should and will get the call this afternoon?
