Packers Huddle

The list of 25 modern era semi-finalists for induction into the NFL HOF was released. Of these 25, it is estimated 4-8 will eventually be selected.

To keep it simple, name your 6 HOF inductees.

QB Eli Manning
LB Luke Kuechly
WR Steve Smith Sr.
S Earl Thomas
K Adam Vinatieri
DE Jared Allen
LB Terrell Suggs
TE Antonio Gates
G/T Marshal Yanda
LB James Harrison
DT Vince Wilfork
OT Willie Anderson
WR Torry Holt
WR Anquan Boldin
WR Reggie Wayne
G Jahri Evans
S Rodney Harrison
CB Eric Allen
DE Robert Mathis
RB Fred Taylor
WR Hines Ward
RB Ricky Watters
OT Richmond Webb
G Steve Wisniewski
S Darren Woodson

Well looking at pro-football-ref only 6 of them are at or above the average for the HOF monitor I'd go:

Luke Kuelchy
Torry Holt
Antonio Gates
Reggie Wayne
Steven Smith Sr.

I'm leaving out the kicker. He can get in next year.

The only reason Eli is considered is the 2 rings.

I just noticed there is t a single Packer listed except for end-of-career Jarhi Evans. Hmph.

Anyway, my six:
Steve Smith
Luke Kuechly
Antonio Gates
Reggie Wayne
Adam Vinatieri
Tory Holt

I hate putting Vinatieri on that list but I think he gets in as a sports writer nerd favorite.

I'd love to put James Harrison on the list but, while dominant for a few glorious years, he spent several years refining his skill and technique. His career numbers just didn’t accumulate enough while in his glory years to warrant selection.

I don’t know enough about the O-linemen to attempt a guess but one of them will probably get in based on history.

Reggie Wayne should send Peyton Manning a thank-you bottle of champagne every HOF game weekend for the rest of his life. He was good but Manning elevated him to great just on shear volume.

Steve Smith is my favorite from the bunch. The ultimate competitor and just a dawg of a teammate.

Man that’s a strong list this year, especially at WR.

I’d say
Kuechly - best player on this list IMO.
Holt
Gates - Easily the 3rd best TE of the modern era behind Gronk and Gonzo.
Wayne
Thomas - Maybe controversial but I think Thomas was by far and away the best S almost his entire career. 3 1st team all pros and 2 2nd teams.
Suggs - I think the DPOY and DROY really give him the edge. It can’t be all offense getting in.

I went Holt and Wayne over Smith and Bolding. Holt had the better highs while playing with a worse QB for half his career. Wayne always had a great supporting cast around him with one of the best QBs ever.