10 biggest NFL omissions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame

4. LB Tommy Nobis

University of Texas linebacker Tommy Nobis was the first overall pick in the NFL Draft by the expansion Atlanta Falcons. He made an immediate impact on the National Football League’s newest franchise. He was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons and earned All-Pro honors in his second year. All told, Nobis was named to five Pro Bowls in his first seven league campaigns.

The Falcons were not a playoff participant during his 11 seasons with the club. Nobis played in 133 games, made 132 starts and totaled an impressive 25 takeaways, including a dozen interceptions.

3. LB Randy Gradishar

The Denver Broncos first took the field in the American Football League in 1960. However, the franchise didn’t reach the playoffs until 1977. During that decade, the “Orange Crush” defense made its presence felt and it was spearheaded by a first-round pick (1974) from Ohio State University.

Linebacker Randy Gradishar spent 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Broncos, was named to the Pro Bowl seven times and earned All-Pro honors in 1977 and ’78. That second year he was also named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. His 10-year career saw him pick off 20 passes, recover 13 fumbles, total 19.5 sacks, as well as a slew of tackles.