With the announcement of the 25 semi-finalists for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class, we’ve got some interesting names. With each player, you can make the case for or against each one of them. With six players in their first year of eligibility, this class is an interesting one, to say the least.
In this blog, I’ll run through those cases to help you make decisions if you’re deciding to gamble on any of these players making it in!
The Case for & Against the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Semi-Finalists
Eli Manning (QB; New York Giants)
For: The case for Eli Manning begins with his success in the Super Bowl, where he is a two-time Super Bowl Champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP. As always, longer careers lead to better counting stats, which have historically been a big factor of players getting in. He also is tied for the NFL record for longest touchdown pass at 99 yards. While his per-season numbers are nothing special, his 366 career touchdown passes are the 11th-most all-time currently, though Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins are within striking distance.
Every player in front of him and many retired behind him in this category are Hall-of-Famers, which makes Manning one of the more likely in this class to get in. The question is, will he be a first-ballot player, or will it take another year? As one of the six first-year players, we will find out shortly!
Against: This issue with Manning is that he was never considered the best in his era. He was never given All-Pro honors and only was voted into the Pro Bowl four times in his career. His best season as a passer was 2015, where he finished tied for second in touchdown passes. Now, should we hold being in the same era as Tom Brady against him? Maybe, maybe not, but it impacts his candidacy nonetheless. The Ole Miss product is 12th all-time in interceptions and 10th all-time in pick-sixes thrown. He’s also seventh in career fumbles.
Using Pro Football Reference’s (PFR) HOF Monitor, he’s sitting at 85.0, where the average for a Hall-of-Fame quarterback is 103.6 (higher is better). Manning will likely get in, but I’m not sure that year one is his year.
Luke Kuechly (LB; Carolina Panthers)
For: The second of our six first-time eligible players, Luke Kuechly was undoubtedly one of the most dominant linebackers of his era. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, and was first or second-team All-Pro in every season of his career. In those award-winning seasons, he was the third-younger DROY and younger DPOY ever, which certainly helps his case. He twice led the league in tackles in 2012 and 2014 and led the league in safeties in his final year in 2019. He also is tied for the NFL record in combined tackles in a game with 24.
No one was more dominant at the position than the Boston College great during his time in the league. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 118.5 is fifth amongst all interior linebackers ever and well above the average ILB score of 105.7.
Against: The main argument against Kuechly is that he cut his career short. He only played eight seasons, retiring after his age-28 season due to the effects of the multiple concussions he suffered throughout his playing career. As a result, his counting stats are low, with his highest placing on career leaderboards being 64th overall in combined tackles. Will this short career hold him back? I doubt it.
Steve Smith Sr. (WR; Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens)
For: Steve Smith Sr. was a great player during his 16-year career, earning All-Pro honors three times (two-time first team and second-team once), as well as winning Comeback Player of the Year in 2005 after a league-leading 103 receptions, 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns a year removed from suffering a broken leg in the 2004 season opener. This season was also only the third “Triple Crown” season by a wide receiver in the Super Bowl era.
He also led the league in his rookie season with two kick return touchdowns and punt return touchdown in 2002. His 14,731 receiving yards rank eighth all-time, and his 1,031 receptions are 12th all-time.
Against: It’s hard to make a great case against Smith Sr. being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His PFR HOF Monitor score is technically below the threshold, where he sits at a composite of 99.4, with the average being 101.4, but that is a low margin to be behind. While the former Utah Ute did play 16 years, voters may hold that longevity against him, as in his last eight seasons, he only broke 1,000 yards three times, though he was pacing for his third-highest receiving yard total in 2015 before an Achilles tendon rupture ended his season. Smith feels like he will likely get in; this is just another case where I’m not sure year one is the year.
Earl Thomas (S/DB; Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens)
For: The third of our six first-year eligible players and one of the members of the prolific “Legion of Boom” in Seattle, Earl Thomas was one of the most feared safeties in the league during his 10-year career. He was a first-team All-Pro recipient thrice, twice made second-team and earned seven Pro Bowl nods. His 2013 Super Bowl ring caps his accolades of a very solid career overall.
Against: The issue with Thomas begins with his lack of notable seasons or counting stats. Thomas never led the league in any individual stat besides tying in fumble return touchdowns in 2016 with one, and his career stats are low on all leaderboards. Will voters hold this against the former Longhorn since he was a safety and not a corner? That remains to be seen.
His PFR HOF Monitor does hold this against him, as it compares all defensive backs. His score of 78.5 is well below the average of 98.0. Thomas seems unlikely to get in, and if he does, it’s because of his contributions as a member of the “Legion of Boom,” as opposed to his personal accolades.
Adam Vinatieri (K; New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts)
For: Adam Vinatieri is the first no-brainer, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer on the list as our fourth first-year eligible player. His 715 field goals attempted and 599 field goals made are both the NFL all-time records, and he was a 3x first-team All-Pro recipient as well. His 24-year NFL career is one of the longest in history, and his 365 games played is second-most all-time behind only Morten Andersen. He also has played in the second-most playoff games of all time.
He finished his career second in extra points made and extra point attempts. Perhaps most importantly, he’s the all-time leader in points scored in the NFL, with his 2,673 points being 129 ahead of the next closest player, the aforementioned Andersen. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 92.7 is the second-highest among all kickers (behind Andersen) and well above the average of 77.0.
Against: I really can’t make one here. The South Dakota State product is an absolute no-brainer.
Jared Allen (DE; Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers)
For: Jared Allen was one of his era’s more dominant defensive ends, holding four first-team All-Pro honors and twice leading the league in sacks. He also led the league in tackles for loss once and in safeties three times. His four safeties forced is also the all-time record in the NFL. In 2011, his 22 sacks finished just a half sack behind the all-time record.
Even though he “only” played 12 years, he’s also sixth in NFL history in tackles for loss, 12th all-time in sacks since they became an official stat in 1982 and 16th all-time since they unofficially became a stat in 1960. The Iowa State product led the league in recovered fumbles in 2006 with six and in fumbles touchdown returns in 2009 with one.
Against: The main argument against Allen is his lack of individual accolades, such as Defensive Player of the Year. In his 2011 season, where he finished just a half sack short of tying the all-time record, he missed out on DPOY by seven votes, as it ultimately went to Terrell Suggs, who had a better all-around season. Suggs not only had 14 sacks but also seven forced fumbles, two interceptions and 20 tackles for loss. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 72.2 is well below the defensive end average of 104.1.
Additionally, Allen had off-the-field issues, where he has been arrested/charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) three times, with two coming during his NFL career and one in college. Allen is an interesting case if a high but short peak is enough to get in.
Terrell Suggs (LB; Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs)
For: As noted with Allen, the 2011 Defensive Player of the Year, Terrell Suggs, is also a nominee this year. As the fifth of our six first-year players, the career leader in tackles for loss, Suggs came into the league swinging, where he was the winner of the 2003 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Sitting at eighth since 1982 and 12th since 1960 in stats, few linebackers have reached the peaks that Suggs has. With both a first and second-team All-Pro nod under his belt, Suggs feels like he has a solid shot of getting in.
Against: The case against Suggs is much more based on his off-the-field issues. In 2003, he was charged with felony aggravated assault, though he was acquitted of these charges in 2005. He also had a series of allegations made against him by his then-girlfriend and former wife Candace Williams, at one point having a protective order in place. This order was removed in 2012 when they married, though they divorced just three years later in 2015. These issues haven’t disappeared either, as the former Arizona Wildcat was arrested earlier this year on charges of threatening and intimidating, as well as disorderly conduct with a weapon for brandishing a handgun after an altercation due to a fender bender in a Starbucks drive-thru.
While his on-field play is likely deserving of being in, it remains to be seen if the off-the-field issues will be held against him. While the Pro Football Hall of Fame is full of players with off-the-field issues, this topic has become more looming in recent years.
Antonio Gates (TE; San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Chargers)
For: As a returning finalist from last year, Antonio Gates feels very likely to get in. One of the most dominant tight ends of his era, I was personally shocked Gates didn’t get in his first year. Amongst all tight ends in NFL history, he ranks fourth with 955 receptions, third with 11,841 yards and first all-time with 116 touchdowns. His dominance in his 16-year career was even more impressive, considering that he had never even played College Football! His PFR HOF Monitor score of 114.6 is fourth all-time amongst tight ends and well above the average of 97.5. As a three-time first-team All-Pro and two-time second-team All-Pro player, this certainly feels like the year Gates gets in.
Against: Maybe the lack of 1,000-yard seasons will go against him. With him only having two in his career, this could be why he didn’t get in last year. Additionally, he was no longer considered a starter at the end of his career. After 2014, he only started 18 times in 57 games played. Maybe this is viewed as stat-padding by the committee. Still, I have little doubt he gets in.
Marshal Yanda (G; Baltimore Ravens)
For: The last of our first-time eligible players, Marshal Yanda is one of the more interesting cases. His career started slow, as he bounced between right guard and right tackle and was limited to only five games in 2008. After 2010, though, his career took off. From 2011 to his retirement in 2019, he earned five second-team All-Pro honors and was named first-team All-Pro twice. He was also an eight-time Pro Bowler. While the position doesn’t have many counting stats, Yanda was clearly a dominant guard, even to the end of his career.
Against: Yanda’s PFR HOF Monitor score of 82.7 is well below the average for guards, which sits at 105.7. That said, his name sits on the higher end of this list, and many of the players in a similar range still got in. While likely not a first-year entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I think it’s likely the former Iowa Hawkeye will find his way in eventually.
James Harrison (LB; Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots)
For: Perhaps just as well known for his training videos as his on-the-field play, James Harrison is a prime example of someone who had a super high but short peak, even though he played 15 seasons in the league. With two first-team All-Pro honors, two second-team All-Pro honors and the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year award, the peak was very, very high. He led the league in forced fumbles in that prolific 2008 season with seven, and during his peak, forced 25 fumbles in four seasons from 2007 to 2010. He also finished fourth in MVP voting in 2008. Sitting at 21st all-time in tackles for loss and 18th all-time in forced fumbles, it’s safe to say he had a very solid career overall.
Against: Viewed as undersized by many for a linebacker, Harrison went undrafted and was cut four times before finally catching on in Pittsburgh in 2004. He eventually retired in 2014 before coming out of retirement the same year and re-joining Pittsburgh.
His off-the-field issues are also concerning. He was arrested and charged with simple assault and criminal mischief as a result of an altercation with his girlfriend in 2004. He was also quoted in the Men’s Journal during an article in which he disparaged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and made comments about fellow players. He later apologized, but this negative image may cause him to remain out of voters’ favor.
Vince Wilfork (NT/DT; New England Patriots, Houston Texans)
For: Considered to be one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL History, Vince Wilfork is a returning semi-finalist from last year. Wilfork is a two-time Super Bowl champion, four-time second-team All-Pro and a 2012 first-team All-Pro recipient. Given the nature of his position, he never led the league in any categories but was a constant threat on the field.
Against: Wilfork’s position limited the counting stats for his career, so his longevity and peak are the main calling cards for him getting in. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 60.5 is well below the average of 102.4. While Wilfork was prolific, these may hold him back from getting in.
Willie Anderson (T; Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens)
For: Willie Anderson ended his career on a high, with three first-team All-Pro nods and a second-team All-Pro nod in four of his last six seasons in the league. He remained healthy for most of his 13-year career, only missing two games in his first 11 years.
Against: As an offensive lineman, there is a distinct lack of counting stats to help his case. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 61.0 is well below the average of 95.5, and only two players with a lower score than him are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. To get in as an offensive tackle, you basically have to be amongst the best of all time, and Anderson falls well short of that.
Torry Holt (WR; St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars)
For: Despite only playing 11 seasons in the league, Torry Holt made his mark on the NFL. He led the league with over 1,600 receiving yards twice and also led the league with 117 receptions in one of those seasons. He was a seven-time Pro-Bowler and was named to both the first and second-team All-Pro once. He’s 25th all-time in receptions, 17th all-time in receiving yards, 10th in receiving yards per game and 14th all-time in yards-per-touch.
As one of the members of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” Holt has been eligible for Hall-of-Fame voting for 10 years in a row, has made it to the semi-finals every year and even made it to the finals five years straight. Speaking of streaks, he owns the NFL record for consecutive seasons with at least 1,300 yards with six and has the record for consecutive seasons with 90+ receptions, also at six. He’s tied for the most career seasons with 1,600 yards as one of only five receivers to ever do it twice.
Against: His shorter career certainly seems to be one of the things holding the North Carolina State product back. While he had 1,000 or more yards in eight straight seasons, the end of his career was largely unspectacular. That said, his PFR HOF Monitor score of 108.2 is above the threshold for the average Hall-of-Fame receiver at 101.4. Why he’s not in yet is beyond me, which leads me to believe that his short career is the largest reason.
Anquan Boldin (WR; Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions)
For: Anquan Boldin was a consistently above-average receiver during his 14-year career. He was the winner of the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2003. The former Florida State Seminole currently sits ninth in career receptions, 14th in all-time receiving yards and 29th in receiving touchdowns. A three-time Pro-Bowler, Boldin had a very strong career. He holds a few NFL records as week, with the most receiving yards in his first career game (217 yards) and the most receptions in his first 26 games (157). He was also the fastest to 400 and 500 career receptions, taking 67 and 80 games, respectively, to reach those marks.
Against: The main case against Boldin is that he was more of a stat compiler as opposed to an elite receiver during his time. The only category he ever led the league in was receiving yards per game in 2004. With no All-Pro nods in his career, he was not viewed as dominant during his time in the league. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 80.5 is below the average of 101.4. I think Boldin eventually gets in, but it may take a weaker overall class to do so.
Reggie Wayne (WR; Indianapolis Colts)
For: Arguably Peyton Manning‘s favorite target ever, Reggie Wayne had a prolific 14-year career with the Colts. He was the league-leader in receiving yards in 2007 and twice led the league in yards per touch. With one first-team All-Pro nod, two second-team nods and six Pro Bowls, Wayne certainly impacted the league. He currently sits at 10th all-time in both receptions and receiving yards, as well as 29th in touchdowns. The Miami product also has the 15th-most playoff games started and is 21st in career yards per touch. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 110.1 is firmly above the Hall-of-Fame average of 101.4.
Against: The main argument against Wayne is similar to the arguments to be made about other receivers in his era, which is that there were so many great receivers during this time. Wayne will eventually get in. Is this the year?
Jahri Evans (G; New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers)
For: Jahri Evans is a four-time first-team All-Pro guard who made second-team once and six Pro Bowls. All five of his All-Pro nods came between 2009 and 2013, as he was arguably the most dominant guard of that span. Like many of the offensive linemen, there are few counting stats to account for.
Against: Evans PFR HOF Monitor score of 96.8 is below the Hall of Fame average of 105.7. That said, this is 10th all-time, which just shows how hard it is to make the Hall of Fame as a guard. He’s within range of all Hall-of-Fame guards, and the only guard with a higher score than him is Zack Martin, who’s still an active NFL player. Evans likely gets in.
Rodney Harrison (DB/SS; San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots)
For: In his 15-year career, Rodney Harrison experienced many highs. A two-time first-team All-Pro recipient, he also made second-team once and even came fourth in DPOY voting in 2003. While he never led the league in a category, he did have an interception every year from 1995 to 2004, with his 2005 season ending in injury, snapping the streak. If he remained healthy, he likely finished his career with an interception in 14 straight seasons. In 1997, he became the first player in NFL history to score a touchdown on an interception, fumble recovery and kickoff return in the same season.
The Western Illinois product has the most sacks by any defensive back in NFL history and is one of only 12 NFL players to have 20 sacks and interceptions in his career. Harrison was also the first player to have 30 of each (since joined by Ray Lewis). He also is the all-time leader in tackles during the Super Bowl.
Against: The main case against Harrison is also why his career was so successful. He was commonly regarded as one of, if not the dirtiest players in the league. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 48.3 is far below the average of 98.0. As a returning finalist from last year, I think Harrison gets in. His counting stats don’t rank highly in many categories, which affects his PFR score, but his overall versatility as a player cannot be ignored.
Eric Allen (CB; Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders)
For: Eric Allen was a ball-hawk during his 14-year career. He led the league in interception return yards and touchdowns during the 1993 season. He also led the league in non-offensive touchdowns twice. A six-time Pro-Bowler, two-time second-team All-Pro and one-time first-team All-Pro, he was without a doubt a great player for his time. He’s ninth all-time in non-offensive touchdowns, eighth all-time in pick-sixes and 21st all-time in interceptions.
Against: Defensive back is a position that you have to be a true standout to make it into the Hall of Fame. His 61.5 PFR HOF Monitor score is well below the average of 98.0, and only three players with lower scores have made it in. All three retired well before Allen’s NFL debut. The former Arizona State Sun Devil was a threat on the field without question, but without a crazy high peak, I’m not sure he’s done enough to get in.
Robert Mathis (DE/LB; Indianapolis Colts)
For: Robert Mathis had a knack for getting the ball out of his opponents’ hands. His 54 forced fumbles are the all-time NFL record, and he also holds the record for strip sacks. Leading the league three times in forced fumbles, he was also top five in seven of his 13 years in the league. The Alabama A&M alumnus led the league in sacks in 2013, which was also his only first-team All-Pro nod. Mathis also sits top 10 in fumble return touchdowns and top 30 in sacks since 1982 and 1960. A five-time Pro-Bowler, Mathis was without a doubt a player to be feared on the field.
Against: Mathis is an interesting case. The counting stats don’t love him, as his PFR HOF Monitor score of 47.2 is well below the average of 104.1. Only two players with less have made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and both retired in the 1980s, nearly 20 years before Mathis debuted. He also was suspended in 2014 for failing a drug test for performance-enhancing drugs (which he claimed were taken to help conceive a child). He’ll have to rely on his NFL record-forced fumbles to get in.
Fred Taylor (RB; Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots)
For: Fred Taylor‘s career had high highs and low lows. He finished third in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting as a rookie, then missed six games the next year due to a hamstring injury. He missed many games for injury, playing only 25 of 48 games from 1999 to 2001, with a large chunk coming in 2001 due to a groin injury. He was also a victim of theft, as his agent, William “Tank” Black, laundered nearly all of his $5 million dollar signing bonus as part of an alleged $12-14 million he stole in total from represented players.
That said, he still managed seven 1,000-yard rushing seasons and led the league in yards per game in 2000. He sits 25th all-time in rush attempts, 17th in rushing yards and 24th in rushing yards per game. He also held 42 Jaguars franchise records as of the 2017 NFL offseason.
Against: Mostly a volume merchant, he sits well below the PFR HOF Monitor threshold of 107.0, with his score coming in at 54.4. Only Larry Csonka and Floyd Little have lower scores, and both stopped playing football before 1980. His injury struggles really held him back, as he considered retiring at one point due to these injuries. I doubt Taylor will ever see the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Hines Ward (WR; Pittsburgh Steelers)
For: Hines Ward is a returning semi-finalist this year. Ward is a two-time Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP and a three-time second-team All-Pro recipient. During his 14-year career, he recorded six 1,000-yard seasons and picked up four Pro Bowl nods. He sits at 14th all-time in career receptions, 19th in receiving touchdowns and 28th in career receiving yards.
Against: Ward is a prototypical stat compiler. He never led the league in any category, with his best finishes being fifth in receptions, fourth in yards and second in touchdowns. He was a crucial option for his teams, but he wasn’t an elite receiver by any means. He also has one DUI arrest that will likely be held against him.
Ricky Watters (RB; San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks)
For: During his 10-year career, Ricky Watters was a force, with over 1,000 rushing yards in seven of his 10 seasons. He also averaged over 400 receiving yards per year as well. The former Fighting Irish earned five Pro Bowls and finished sixth in Offensive Player of the Year voting as a rookie. He currently sits at 21st in career rush attempts, 25th in career rushing yards and 23rd in rushing touchdowns. To account for his receiving prowess as well, he currently sits at 20th in total career touches and 27th all-time in career yards from scrimmage, leading the league in this category in 1996.
Against: Watters never led the league in any major counting category. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 64.9 is far below the average of 107.0 and much like Taylor, only two players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame have a lower score. Additionally, he was noted as lacking a professional demeanor, which was listed as a major reason voters did not include him. He’s been a semi-finalist twice but never made it to the finals. While the overall numbers are good, I’m not sure Watters will ever get past the stigma associated with his antics.
Richmond Webb (T; Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals)
For: Given he played tackle and there is a lack of major counting stats, Richmond Webb is most notable for coming fourth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting and having seven-straight Pro Bowls to start his career. He additionally earned two first and second-team All-Pro nods. While he remained healthy for most of his 13 seasons, injuries started to pile up after the 1997 season, ultimately ending his career.
Against: His PFR HOF Monitor score of 73.9 is below the average of 95.5, and only four Hall-of-Fame tackles have lower totals. Given how hard it is for tackles to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I would be shocked if Webb makes it.
Steve Wisniewski (G; Los Angeles Raiders, Oakland Raiders)
For: Yet another offensive lineman! Steve Wisniewski earned eight Pro Bowl nods, two first-team All-Pros and five second-team All-Pros. Clearly one of the premier guards of his era, his eight Pro Bowls tied the at-the-time Raiders record.
Against: Much like the others here, it’s simply hard to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame as an offensive lineman. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 76.1 is well below the Hall-of-Fame average of 105.7 and would be the fourth-lowest amongst Hall-of-Fame guards.
Darren Woodson (SS, Dallas Cowboys)
For: Darren Woodson’s five Pro Bowls and three straight first-team All-Pro nods are his clear calling card. While he never led the league in any category, he was clearly an impact player on the field. Having played linebacker in college, his transition to strong safety in the NFL is notable. He is the all-time leading tackler in Dallas Cowboys history. As a result, Woodson is often regarded as the best safety in Cowboy history. He is also a three-time Super Bowl champion.
Against: Woodson, while elite for a stretch, lacks many counting stats. His PFR HOF Monitor score of 66.3 is well below the defensive back average of 98.0, and only a small handful of players below him have made the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Semi-Finalists Picks & Predictions
Now, if I were to try and predict the 15 players who will be the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists this year, I would choose the following:
- Eli Manning
- Luke Kuechly
- Adam Vinatieri
- Antonio Gates
- Steve Smith Sr.
- Terrell Suggs
- Jared Allen
- Tory Holt
- Reggie Wayne
- Willie Anderson
- Rodney Harrison
- Darren Woodson
- Eric Allen
- Robert Mathis
- Vince Wilfork
Let’s see if I’m right!
Thanks for reading my blog on “The Case for & Against the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Semi-Finalists.” Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter/X @Parry_FF for more sports & entertainment content, and check out our entertainment betting show, “Popcorn & Root Beer,” on our YouTube channel!
*Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY Sports*
