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

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Safety Charles Woodson #24 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by linebacker Manti Te’o #50 of the San Diego Chargers in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 24, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Safety Charles Woodson #24 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by linebacker Manti Te’o #50 of the San Diego Chargers in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 24, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

2. Charles Woodson, DB, Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers

The only three players selected ahead of University of Michigan star and 1997 Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson in the 1998 NFL Draft were quarterbacks Peyton Manning (Colts) and Ryan Leaf (Chargers) and defensive end Andre Wadsworth (Cardinals).

While the first man on this list will be referenced shortly, both Leaf and Wadsworth proved to have disappointing careers for totally different reasons.

That certainly wasn’t the case when it came to Woodson, who was drafted by the Oakland Raiders, departed for Green Bay in free agency in 2006 and after seven seasons and one Super Bowl ring with that franchise, returned to the Silver and Black and played three more years.

A total of 254 regular-season games added up to 65 interceptions (tied for 5th in NFL history), with 11 of those picks returned for scores. That latter number trails only Pro Football Hall of Famer Rod Woodson (12). Charles also came up with 33 forced fumbles and returned two of his 18 fumble recoveries for touchdowns.

Woodson’s impressive 18-year NFL career should be followed by a first-ballot selection to the Hall of Fame, a “no brainer” according to Jairo Alvarado of SI.com’s RaiderMaven. It’s nearly impossible to argue against him becoming a member of the Class of 2021.

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