Hall of Fame Future?

Talk of Fame Network does it again with another interesting, thought-provoking article. Clark Judge compiled a list of players that will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame over the next five years. Hall of Fame discussion is often passionate and always interesting. It's fun to look ahead so here's a look ahead.

CLASS OF 2021

DE Jared Allen
RB Steven Jackson
WR Calvin Johnson
OL Logan Mankins
QB Peyton Manning
LB Jerod Mayo
TE Heath Miller
CB Charles Tillman
DL Justin Tuck
QB Michael Vick
WR Wes Welker
DT Kevin Williams
DB Charles Woodson

Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson have a history. They were finalists for the same Heisman Trophy. They were both drafted at the top of the 1998 NFL Draft. They should enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame together next summer. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Calvin Johnson make it in his first year. While dominant at times I not so sure that Johnson was dominant consistently enough to make it in his first year. It'd like to see Jared Allen make it in his first year but I think that he might have a short wait. With the number of edge rushers becoming eligible over the next few years there's going to be a receiver-like logjam at the position. Kevin Williams is a personal favorite of mine. He was the best to play his position in the 2000s. Seeing Richard Seymour turned away at the Hall of Fame door year after year has me worried about Williams' chances. Logan Mankins, Charles Tillman, and Wes Welker have strong Hall of Fame cases.

CLASS OF 2022

WR Anquan Boldin
LB Chad Greenway
WR Andre Johnson
C Nick Mangold
DE/LB Mario Williams
QB Tony Romo
DE Robert Mathis
WR Steve Smith
LB DeMarcus Ware
DT Vince Wilfork

Steve Smith and DeMarcus Ware top this class of first-year eligible players. If Calvin Johnson made it in 2021, I think that Smith makes it this year. Personally, I think that Smith is more deserving of making it in his first year than Johnson. Despite that, if Johnson had to wait a year I think that Smith should have to wait a year. My guess is that the voters will induct both receivers in their first year. Anquan Boldin and Andre Johnson join a line of deserving receivers that has been a Hall of Fame constant for more than a decade. It still amazes me that the voters made Cris Carter wait six years. Robert Mathis joins Jared Allen in an edge rusher line that's going to grow. Allen is at the front of it. Nick Mangold has a strong Hall of Fame case but could have a Kevin Mawae-like wait.

CLASS OF 2023

LB Navorro Bowman
S Kam Chancellor
CB Antonio Cromartie
DE/LB Elvis Dumervil
G Jahri Evans
DE/LB Dwight Freeney
LB James Harrison
CB/KR Devin Hester
P Shane Lechler
RB DeMarco Murray
QB Carson Palmer
CB Darrelle Revis
OT Joe Thomas

Darrelle Revis and Joe Thomas are the headliners. Dwight Freeney joins Jared Allen and Robert Mathis in the edge rusher line. If Allen hasn't made it yet, this is the year. Devin Hester and Shane Lechler will have advocates among the special teamer crowd.

CLASS OF 2024

TE Antonio Gates
RB Jamaal Charles
TE Rob Gronkowski
DE Chris Long
QB Andrew Luck
PK Sebastian Janikowski
WR Jordy Nelson
DT Haloti Ngata
DE Julius Peppers
RB Jonathan Stewart
C Max Unger
DT Kyle Williams

I guess that Rob Gronkowski is on the list until he plays a game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When that happens, Julius Peppers becomes the only first-year eligible with a shot in the first year. This Hall of Fame Class should be an opportunity for the voters to get the best of the players that have been waiting too long.

CLASS OF 2025

LB Lorenzo Alexander
TE Vernon Davis
LB Luke Kuechly
QB Eli Manning
S Eric Weddle

Luke Kuechly should make it in his first year. Eli Manning's Hall of Fame discussion will be interesting.