As I've posted earlier, I feel Monk is the gatekeeper of the HOF (should not be in but one of the classiest of pro athletes on field, practice field and off field that I've seen in 40+ years). Monk was a very, very good player on great teams and again I'll say this; not ever top 5 at his position for any season but top 10-12 sometimes better for 10+ years...consummate pro. With that said, I'm glad that he's in the HOF for his sake and his fans' sakes. The only loser is the HOF which should be the creme de le creme.
Of this list, Green is a no brainer as he was Deon before Deon and would throw his shoulder into an o linemen like a HOF cornerback should. In fact, I would take Green over Deon in a hearbeat.
Tippett and Dean not HOF.... Tippett closer though.
No problem with Zimmerman as he was top notch linemean for a decade with 9 All Pro selections in 11 years...pretty great I'd say.
Now to Emmitt Thomas. I loved the AFL as a kid and I had same feelings about him and HOF as Skins fans did with Monk. Thomas and Jim Marsalis were a cornerback duo of the KC Chiefs that perfected the bump and run in a more phyiscal era in a more wide open league than its NFL counrtpart. I've brought up his name many times in discussions with 20-30 yrar olds relating to Deon Sanders, Champ Baily and their relative greatness sans run defense. As I review the evidence more closely, I'm not so sure of Thomas as HOF...maybe he should be the unofficial gatekeeper as well. I'm glad Thomas is in on one hand but feel HOF is becoming a feel good fraternity.
Now, let's get Lester Hayes into the HOF and maybe Gary "The Ghost" Garrison(actually a reach but man did he have a five year stretch that was awesome)
Again, congrats to all the HOFs from and old school crumudgeon:toast:
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Joke. 4 Pro Bowls. At his best with Chargers as pass rushing end playing against teams forced to pass while behind Fouts and Co. So he got some sacks...weak at point of attack and his so called greatness wasn't too evident on crappy Chargers' D as I've never seen a team consistently give up 14 pt leads as late 70s early 80s Bolts did. Got a ring with 49ers as a mere piece of the puzzle in 84-85 season.
Carter will get in and yes is more HOF calibre than Monk. HOF is becoming a feel good fraternity as it's getting watered down. There is no shame in not being in it but you have to be the best or near best for a solid 6-8 year period minimum. I'm not a fan of longevity...doesn't hurt but should be given a small weight when making assesment
Derrick Thomas was a better the player than Andre Tippett and should be in.
The easiest(not saying best) first look assesment is All - Pro selections as it's done at that point in time against peers.
Monk had 3 All-Pro and 3 Pro Bowls and Tippett 4 or 5 All _Pro. I am pretty sure Thomas had 9 and 8 and Carter (just guessing) had more 4 All -Pro and 8 Pro bowls
