Top 10 first-time eligible candidates for the Hall of Fame in 2021

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 27: D’Brickashaw Ferguson #60 of the New York Jets sets up against Dont’a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 27, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

9. D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, New York Jets

He was a mainstay on the office a blind of the New York Jets for 10 years. And he was the first of two first-round picks by the organization in 2006, both which addressed the offensive line as the club added center Nick Mangold later that day.

Tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson was the fourth overall selection that year. Only Mario Williams, Reggie Bush and Vice Young were chosen ahead of him. But he wound up playing more games than the other three and the Jets made three playoff appearances while he was with the franchise.

There’s an awful lot to be said about reliability and the former University of Virginia standout epitomized that strength. There were 10 seasons with the Green and White and Ferguson never missed a game or start. That’s 16 regular-season contests and seven postseason tilts.

Ferguson hit in his stride under head coach Rex Ryan in 2009, the start of three consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl. The Jets reached the AFC Championship Game in both ’09 and 2010, coming up short on the road against the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively.

The 6’6”, 310-pound performers was one of the franchise’s most consistent offensive linemen. But worthy of Hall of Fame consideration? It makes for an interesting discussion.