Future NFL Hall of Famers on all 32 teams | NFC
With the AFC out of the way, who are the future Hall of Famers in the NFC?
Arizona Cardinals: J.J. Watt, EDGE
J.J. Watt’s dominance from 2012 to 2015 was unbelievable. He contributed 40+ QB hits, 20+ tackles for loss, and 10+ sacks while earning first-team All-Pro honors in each of those four seasons. In total, Watt’s five Pro Bowls, three DPOYs, and 2010s All-Decade Team nomination boost his Canton aspirations.
Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, TE
A rookie on a future Hall of Famers list? Yes — two, actually. First up is Kyle Pitts. His 83 3/8″ wingspan is the longest measured by all tight ends and receivers over the past two decades. Moreover, he is just 20 years old. Last year, the Florida Gator lit the nation on fire, putting his receiving ability on full display.
As a true junior, Pitts caught 43 passes for 770 yards and 12 TDs across eight contests. I understand putting Hall of Fame expectations on a rookie is what creates “busts,” but I wholeheartedly believe in Pitts’ never-before-seen skill set at the position. As long as he stays healthy with a decent QB under center, he could don a gold jacket in the future.
Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey, RB
Only three players in NFL history have produced 1,000+ yards rushing and receiving in a single season — Roger Craig (1985), Marshall Faulk (1999), and Christian McCaffrey (2019). Considering CMC just turned 25 in June, I would not be surprised to see him reach this mark one more time in his career.
Returning from a serious knee injury is concerning, especially for a running back. Still, if McCaffrey can bounce back without missing a step, he could be the fourth Panther to enter the Hall of Fame — although Julius Peppers is on the ballot for 2022.
Chicago Bears: Khalil Mack, EDGE
Khalil Mack has made six consecutive Pro Bowls and has received three first-team All-Pros. While sacks are usually a volatile stat year over year, Mack has secured 8+ every season since 2015. He likely needs a couple more All-Pros to cement his legacy, but Mack has all the tools in the world to do so.
Dallas Cowboys: Zack Martin, G
If Quenton Nelson didn’t exist, Zack Martin would be the best guard in the NFL. Martin has committed just 5 penalties in 4,463 total snaps. Additionally, he has never forfeited more than 3 sacks in a single season. Honestly, if Martin retired today, he would have a shot at the Hall of Fame with six Pro Bowls, four first-team All-Pros, and a place on the 2010s All-Decade Team.
Detroit Lions: Penei Sewell, OT
There are two reasons Penei Sewell is my pick for a future Hall of Famer on the Detroit Lions: 1) The roster is largely devoid of top-tier talent, and 2) Sewell is one of the highest-rated offensive line prospects in recent memory. His combination of power and athleticism is unparalleled in the 2021 NFL Draft class. While we need to see him against NFL competition, projections are sky-high for the 20-year-old tackle.
Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers, QB
Aaron Rodgers will have no issue discount double-checking his way into the Hall of Fame. However, I am not sure his introduction will take less than 10 seconds, like Brett Favre’s. Rodgers has nothing left to prove, but winning a Super Bowl during his “Last Dance” in Green Bay would be the perfect final stamp on his career.
Los Angeles Rams: Aaron Donald, DT
The Terminator needs no introduction. Aaron Donald may very well be the best ever to play the position, so don’t take him for granted on Sundays. He will be an unquestioned first-ballot Hall of Famer when he retires.
Minnesota Vikings: Patrick Peterson, CB
His PED suspension in 2019 will hinder his odds of being a future Hall of Famer, but Patrick Peterson’s first eight years in the league were impeccable. He has recorded 5+ pass deflections every year as well as multiple interceptions in all but one season (2017). While his career has tailed off a bit, expect Peterson to have a resurgence under Mike Zimmer in Minnesota.
New Orleans Saints: Michael Thomas, WR
Well, this choice would have been much easier last season with Drew Brees on the team. Michael Thomas struggled through an injury-shortened 2020 campaign. And he will face further trials in 2021 after news broke he would undergo surgery on his ankle this summer.
Still, Thomas was dominant in his first four seasons, compiling 90+ receptions, 1,100+ yards, and 5+ TDs every year from 2016-2019. He will have to prove he is healthy when he returns, but Thomas can get back on the Hall of Fame track.
New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, RB
28 running backs from the modern era have passed through the Hall of Fame’s doors. Can Saquon Barkley join the esteemed group? The physical gifts are there, but he missed three games in 2019 with an ankle injury and 14 in 2020 due to a torn ACL. Longevity matters in Hall of Fame discussions, so Barkley needs to remain healthy for the majority of his career. If he does, there is no doubt his talent will lead him to Ohio.
Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox, DT
Center Jason Kelce deserves some love here as well, but Fletcher Cox receives the nod. Cox has made six straight Pro Bowls, earning a first-team All-Pro entry in 2018. He is widely respected among players and coaches in the NFL — and for good reason. Cox has been the second-best defensive tackle since Aaron Donald rose to fame. And while some believe Chris Jones has taken the mantle, Cox is still playing at a high level.
San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams, OT
In his age-32 season, Trent Williams proved he is still one of the best tackles in the NFL. Before sitting out in 2019 and forcing a trade to San Francisco, Williams made seven straight Pro Bowls. Still, owning zero first-team All-Pros severely hampers his Hall of Fame chances — only Jackie Slater has made it without at least one since the merger.
Seattle Seahawks: Bobby Wagner, LB
Russell Wilson has an opportunity to QB sneak his way into the Hall of Fame, but he has never received an MVP vote or a first-team All-Pro selection. Speaking of first-team All-Pros, Bobby Wagner has six of those, tied with Hall of Famer Jack Lambert for the third-most by a linebacker. With a Super Bowl victory and an MVP vote from Tony Dungy under his belt, Wagner could retire today and walk right into the Hall of Fame.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tom Brady, QB
14 Pro Bowls, three All-Pros, three MVPs, member of the 2000s and 2010s All-Decade Teams, two OPOYs, one Comeback Player of the Year, and seven Super Bowl championships. Tom Brady — AKA “The Goat” — already has his bust in Canton. They are simply waiting to unveil it when he retires in 2050.
Washington Football Team: Chase Young, EDGE
Chase Young stuffed the stat sheet as a rookie, collecting 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 4 pass deflections, 10 tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, and 7.5 sacks. Washington’s defense is one of the best in the league, which should allow Young free reign to torture opposing QBs. He has a long way to go, but if that was Year 1, the NFL should be on notice.