Upcoming HOF Classes (2007, 2008, 2009)

Darkiller · 02-06-2006, 04:00 PM

I listed the notable names that will come up on the HOF ballot for the next three years. In bold, the players I believe have the best chance to be inducted right away.

- Looking at this list, it is a good bet to think that leftovers of recent classes like Michael Irvin, Thurman Thomas, Derrick Thomas will have their best chances to get in next year.

- Also, after a number of consecutive years where we have seen 1st-ballot HOF QBs (Kelly, Elway, Young, Marino, Aikman, Moon), there probably won't be anymore in the next few years and this might be the best chance for guys like Ken Stabler and Phil Simms to try to sneak in...

2007 -- Terrell Davis, Jamal Anderson, Randall Cunningham, Eric Allen, Carnell Lake, Bruce Matthews, Ricky Watters and Tony Boselli

2008 -- Cris Carter, Lomas Brown, Jumbo Elliott, Darrell Green, Richmond Webb.

2009 -- Shannon Sharpe, John Randle, Bruce Smith, Rod Woodson, Gary Anderson, Larry Centers.

Hurst2112 · 02-06-2006, 04:14 PM

Green and Woodson will be first-timers. Smith too probably.

WSUCougar · 02-06-2006, 04:18 PM

Carter, Sharpe, and Bruce Smith, too.

Pumpy Tudors · 02-06-2006, 05:55 PM

And Tony Bosel -- shit, I can't even type it.

dervack · 02-07-2006, 02:17 AM

Does anyone think that Terrell Davis might get in eventually as the Gale Sayers of out generation?

Darkiller · 02-07-2006, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dervack

Does anyone think that Terrell Davis might get in eventually as the Gale Sayers of out generation?

This one is likely to be the hot topic of next year's class.
Davis only played 7 years and had the best 3-4 year run for any RBs in NFL history.

- Surpassed 2000 yeards
- earned NFL & SuperBowl MVP awards
- Won 2 SuperBowls
- won (?) Rushing Titles

so since they inducted Gayle Sayers...there is no question that T.D's candidacy will be harsly debated by the commitee.
I can't predict if he'll make it but my guts tell me he belongs.

Ragone · 02-07-2006, 04:33 AM

would be sickening if td got in before dt..

MIJB#19 · 02-07-2006, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkiller

This one is likely to be the hot topic of next year's class.
Davis only played 7 years and had the best 3-4 year run for any RBs in NFL history.

- Surpassed 2000 yeards
- earned NFL & SuperBowl MVP awards
- Won 2 SuperBowls
- won (?) Rushing Titles

so since they inducted Gayle Sayers...there is no question that T.D's candidacy will be harsly debated by the commitee.
I can't predict if he'll make it but my guts tell me he belongs.

Isn't there a similar case for Tony Boselli? From what I've read he was concidered the best offensive lineman in the game for several years, but his career was cut short due to injuries.

miami_fan · 02-07-2006, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkiller

This one is likely to be the hot topic of next year's class.
Davis only played 7 years and had the best 3-4 year run for any RBs in NFL history.

- Surpassed 2000 yeards
- earned NFL & SuperBowl MVP awards
- Won 2 SuperBowls
- won (?) Rushing Titles

so since they inducted Gayle Sayers...there is no question that T.D's candidacy will be harsly debated by the commitee.
I can't predict if he'll make it but my guts tell me he belongs.

I am going to say no. When I hear people talk about Gale Sayers, there is a reverence. I get the impression that he was look at as a once in a generation back. I did not see TD as that type of back when he played. I also think that he "suffers" because he had John Elway in the backfield. Yes, he was more of a focus for that offense than Elway during those years. But you can't say that Davis carried the Broncos to the championship. Finally, I think the success of the Broncos running game after his retirement hurts him. The impression that the Broncos have been able to plug "anybody" into that backfield and pick up chunks of yards.

hoopsguy · 02-07-2006, 06:49 AM

I would argue for Davis getting in. I think the argument can be made that he was the tipping point for Denver actually winning titles instead of just making extended runs under Elway. His 2,000 yard season is one of those huge numbers that jumps off the page at you - I believe only four players have ever done that (Dickerson, Sanders, Jamal Lewis are others).

He basically had four years (1995 - 1998) where he wasn't gimped. Cumulative stats in that time:
6,412 yards (7,607 total)
56 TDs (60 total)
4.77 ypc (4.6 for career)

He was playing at the same time as Sanders and Emmitt, so I'm not sure he was the best player at his position while he played. But he stacks up favorably over that four year period to those guys, who just about everyone agrees are first ballot HOFers:

Sanders (1995 - 1998)
6,597 yards (15,269 total)
36 TDs (99 total)
5.08 ypc (5 ypc for career)

Smith (1995 - 1998)
5,383 yards (18,355 total)
54 TDs (164 total) - this includes his 25 TD season
4.19 ypc (4.2 ypc for career)

Sanders won just about all of the POTY awards in 1997, while Davis took home most of the hardware in 1998.

If you view Davis' work over a 7 year view it isn't nearly as impressive as the numbers I listed above. But if you take his stats over the four years he was healthy, then add in the two Super Bowls, you have a clear HOF back. It is just a question of whether you think he had a long enough run of dominance to be in. If not, then how many more seasons did he need at this level to be considered HOF material? One? Three?

Finally, here are the same stats for Sayers. I've also highlighted his best FIVE year run, since there isn't a four year run that is close (1965 - 1969)
Yards: 4,866 (4956 for career)
TDs: 39 (39 for career)
YPC: 5.09 (5.0 for career)

Obviously this is comparing different eras so take this for what it is worth. But since he is the player often used as the example I felt like the numbers should be presented.

Bee · 02-07-2006, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

Isn't there a similar case for Tony Boselli? From what I've read he was concidered the best offensive lineman in the game for several years, but his career was cut short due to injuries.

I think it's a much more difficult case to make for a lineman. There's no statistics to back up that Boselli was one of the all-time greats during his short run.

Darkiller · 02-07-2006, 07:26 AM

I think Boselli will get in.

Regarding T.D, my take is that he did carry the Broncos to those Superbowls.
Sorry but in the previous 10 years, Elway couldn't ultimately win the big one because he had no running game to speak of. If Elway had had just a "good" RB with him at that time, there is no question in my mind that he would have won a Superbowl before Terrell Davis came to Denver.

Finally, he had a Terrell Davis and T.D was the focal point of the offense, opening up the vertical game between Elway and Rod Smith.

Make no mistake, gameplans were made around T.D, not Elway in the latter years, when Denver won back-to-back championships...

I thing this means a lot.

miami_fan · 02-07-2006, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkiller

I think Boselli will get in.

Regarding T.D, my take is that he did carry the Broncos to those Superbowls.
Sorry but in the previous 10 years, Elway couldn't ultimately win the big one because he had no running game to speak of. If Elway had had just a "good" RB with him at that time, there is no question in my mind that he would have won a Superbowl before Terrell Davis came to Denver.

Finally, he had a Terrell Davis and T.D was the focal point of the offense, opening up the vertical game between Elway and Rod Smith.

Make no mistake, gameplans were made around T.D, not Elway in the latter years, when Denver won back-to-back championships...

I thing this means a lot.

I would be more likely to agree with you if I did not believe Elway was already a HOFer during those seasons. I have not look at the stats but I don't recall Elway being an average QB during TD's great years. As you have already stated, Elway was able to open up the offense with Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe. IMO Davis had at least a little help from a HOFer. The only thing I have to compare him with is Sayers and based on what I have heard and seen through old film, Sayers was the entire Bears offense. He did not get even a little help from another HOFer. Then you would have to include his special team play as well. There is no doubting that TD had an incredible 4 year run. However because it was only four years. I don't think the voters are going to vote Davis in based on just that 4 year period. The other is remembering who we are dealing with. I don't believe that the voters today are going to give the benefit of the doubt that the voters of Sayers time gave him.

rkmsuf · 02-07-2006, 01:10 PM

TD is going to be hurt by all the big rushers that followed him in Denver.

He probably shouldn't be in.

I can't see Boselli belonging in there either.

Hurst2112 · 02-07-2006, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

TD is going to be hurt by all the big rushers that followed him in Denver.

He probably shouldn't be in.

I can't see Boselli belonging in there either.

Boselli never came across my lips when talking HOF. Sorry to those guys saying he will get in.

It seems that OLinemen are always regarded as the best at their position. Maybe that's because that's the only way to measure them.

Dermonti Dawson was the best center of his day and has been called the best at his position to ever play. I don't think that will get him in any faster.

rkmsuf · 02-07-2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurst2112

Boselli never came across my lips when talking HOF. Sorry to those guys saying he will get in.

It seems that OLinemen are always regarded as the best at their position. Maybe that's because that's the only way to measure them.

Dermonti Dawson was the best center of his day and has been called the best at his position to ever play. I don't think that will get him in any faster.

I don't think Boselli is even close. I can't imagine what the person arguing his case comes up with.

Hurst2112 · 02-07-2006, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

I don't think Boselli is even close. I can't imagine what the person arguing his case comes up with.

the 2 things i remember about tony are being the first guy picked by the jags and that medical scandal the jags had where they were forcing guys on the field earlier than they should have (boselli was a big name in that).

wow. we DO agree on some things my friend.

rkmsuf · 02-07-2006, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurst2112

the 2 things i remember about tony are being the first guy picked by the jags and that medical scandal the jags had where they were forcing guys on the field earlier than they should have (boselli was a big name in that).

wow. we DO agree on some things my friend.

It's a festivus miracle! and it's not even festivus.

wishbone · 02-07-2006, 01:45 PM

Does Cris Carter get in? On the first ballot? I think he may be similar to Art Monk where he was in the top 10 for a long time but was not the best at his position in any one year maybe.

rkmsuf · 02-07-2006, 01:48 PM

I'd put Carter in. He stands out in my mind.

Hurst2112 · 02-07-2006, 01:49 PM

course chris carter does. 'all he does is catch touchdowns'

rkmsuf · 02-07-2006, 01:53 PM

Carter had 122 catches in a year in back to back seasons.

Passacaglia · 02-07-2006, 02:41 PM

I think Derrick Thomas really hurt his chances with his past couple seasons.

Hurst2112 · 02-07-2006, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

I think Derrick Thomas really hurt his chances with his past couple seasons.

oh hell that's funny. disgustingly funny.

02-06-2006, 04:14 PM	#2
Hurst2112 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Minneapolis	Green and Woodson will be first-timers. Smith too probably. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/longliveanalog

02-06-2006, 04:18 PM	#3
WSUCougar Rider Of Rohan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Port Angeles, WA or Helm's Deep	Carter, Sharpe, and Bruce Smith, too. __________________ It's not the years...it's the mileage.

02-06-2006, 05:55 PM	#4
Pumpy Tudors Bounty Hunter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	And Tony Bosel -- shit, I can't even type it. __________________ No, I am not Batman, and I will not repair your food processor.

02-07-2006, 07:26 AM	#12
Darkiller FOF2 Guy Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Paris, France	I think Boselli will get in. Regarding T.D, my take is that he did carry the Broncos to those Superbowls. Sorry but in the previous 10 years, Elway couldn't ultimately win the big one because he had no running game to speak of. If Elway had had just a "good" RB with him at that time, there is no question in my mind that he would have won a Superbowl before Terrell Davis came to Denver. Finally, he had a Terrell Davis and T.D was the focal point of the offense, opening up the vertical game between Elway and Rod Smith. Make no mistake, gameplans were made around T.D, not Elway in the latter years, when Denver won back-to-back championships... I thing this means a lot. __________________ FOF2 lives on / Continue to support the best game ever ! - Owner of the San Francisco 49ers in FOF2 - Charter member of the IHOF and owner of the Paris Musketeers franchise (FOF2004) - Chairman of the IHOF Hall of Fame - Athletic Director of the Brigham Young Cougars in TCY FOF Legend: Hall of Fame QB Brock Sheriff #5, one of the most popular player in Front Office Football history.

02-07-2006, 01:10 PM	#14
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	TD is going to be hurt by all the big rushers that followed him in Denver. He probably shouldn't be in. I can't see Boselli belonging in there either. __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

02-07-2006, 02:17 AM	#5
dervack College Prospect Join Date: Jun 2005	Does anyone think that Terrell Davis might get in eventually as the Gale Sayers of out generation?

02-07-2006, 04:33 AM	#7
Ragone Pro Rookie Join Date: May 2002 Location: Kansas City, Mo	would be sickening if td got in before dt..

02-07-2006, 06:49 AM	#10
hoopsguy General Manager Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Chicago	I would argue for Davis getting in. I think the argument can be made that he was the tipping point for Denver actually winning titles instead of just making extended runs under Elway. His 2,000 yard season is one of those huge numbers that jumps off the page at you - I believe only four players have ever done that (Dickerson, Sanders, Jamal Lewis are others). He basically had four years (1995 - 1998) where he wasn't gimped. Cumulative stats in that time: 6,412 yards (7,607 total) 56 TDs (60 total) 4.77 ypc (4.6 for career) He was playing at the same time as Sanders and Emmitt, so I'm not sure he was the best player at his position while he played. But he stacks up favorably over that four year period to those guys, who just about everyone agrees are first ballot HOFers: Sanders (1995 - 1998) 6,597 yards (15,269 total) 36 TDs (99 total) 5.08 ypc (5 ypc for career) Smith (1995 - 1998) 5,383 yards (18,355 total) 54 TDs (164 total) - this includes his 25 TD season 4.19 ypc (4.2 ypc for career) Sanders won just about all of the POTY awards in 1997, while Davis took home most of the hardware in 1998. If you view Davis' work over a 7 year view it isn't nearly as impressive as the numbers I listed above. But if you take his stats over the four years he was healthy, then add in the two Super Bowls, you have a clear HOF back. It is just a question of whether you think he had a long enough run of dominance to be in. If not, then how many more seasons did he need at this level to be considered HOF material? One? Three? Finally, here are the same stats for Sayers. I've also highlighted his best FIVE year run, since there isn't a four year run that is close (1965 - 1969) Yards: 4,866 (4956 for career) TDs: 39 (39 for career) YPC: 5.09 (5.0 for career) Obviously this is comparing different eras so take this for what it is worth. But since he is the player often used as the example I felt like the numbers should be presented.

02-07-2006, 01:45 PM	#19
wishbone High School JV Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hillsboro OR	Does Cris Carter get in? On the first ballot? I think he may be similar to Art Monk where he was in the top 10 for a long time but was not the best at his position in any one year maybe.

02-07-2006, 01:48 PM	#20
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	I'd put Carter in. He stands out in my mind. __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

02-07-2006, 01:49 PM	#21
Hurst2112 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Minneapolis	course chris carter does. 'all he does is catch touchdowns' __________________ http://www.myspace.com/longliveanalog

02-07-2006, 01:53 PM	#22
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	Carter had 122 catches in a year in back to back seasons. __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales Last edited by rkmsuf : 02-07-2006 at 01:54 PM.

02-07-2006, 02:41 PM	#23
Passacaglia Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Big Ten Country	I think Derrick Thomas really hurt his chances with his past couple seasons.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)