Who Are The Future Chiefs Hall of Famers?

by Matt Conner on Jul 28, 2009 10:10 AM CDT in 2009 Offseason Comment 27 comments

While winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate team accomplishment and something we hope the Chiefs are able to attain, it's the Hall of Fame that remains the greatest individual achievement for each and every NFL player. With all of the current focus on Derrick Thomas and the upcoming entry to the prestigious group, it begs the question of who is currently in the NFL who will be joining DT via future enshrinement.

Specifically, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at our current roster and ask the bold question: Are there any current Chiefs who will eventually find themselves holding company with the greatest players ever to walk upon the field? With a 2-14 season behind them, this group hardly seems the proper team to ask about. Yet there might be some surprises with our current roster make-up. Below is my attempt to at least throw some names out for consideration:

Branden Albert - In a time in the NFL when the hero worship extends from the QB to the Left Tackle position, Albert really has a chance to establish long-term domination at a key time in NFL history. In some cases, it's being at the right position at the right time where the rigors of protecting the blind side are properly highlighted. Yet on the other side, it's also about Albert's ability to handle any and all opponents on the defensive line. This year's schedule featuring the D-lines of the NFC East should reveal Albert's chances to take over early in his career.

Dwayne Bowe - Everyone agrees Bowe holds a couple strong seasons under his belt, but the word 'special' hasn't yet applied itself. This will be difficult to achieve in a time where older star receivers like Hines Ward, Randy Moss and Terrell Owens still get the spotlight and newer stars are emerging as the best in the NFL with Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson and Calvin Johnson catching the ball. Still there's always room for more if Bowe and Matt Cassel can establish a true chemistry on the field.

Glenn Dorsey - Yeah, yeah, I know. It's early. Not even early. It's almost ridiculous to write this here. After all, conversations have been about how well he fits on the team, not about the hidden greatness. But a year ago it was all cheers for a reason, since Dorsey's talent seemed limitless at the time. Regardless of schemes, you can't deny that Dorsey enjoyed as fine a rookie season as some of the best d-linemen in recent history and it's experience in this league that eventually reveals the best. So as far as I'm concerned, Dorsey can be as great as he wants to be, whether in the 3-4, the 4-3 or the 6-1.

Brandon Flowers - Had to go for a total stretch with one of these (okay, maybe two with Dorsey). But the first-year corner more than held his own for most of the season, displaying why most pundits thought the Chiefs got a true steal with this second round pick. His 91 yard return for a TD instantly set Flowers apart in his rookie season and gave fans great hopes for things to come. Here's hoping the Chiefs unearthed one of the NFL's greatest.

Zach Thomas - It's almost too bad he certainly won't get in the Hall as a Chief, because Thomas' future is definitely enshrinement. With more tackles than any Hall of Fame linebacker (although other active LBers like Ray Lewis have more) and 7 Pro Bowl seasons, Thomas has been a man among boys for some time now.

Brian Waters - His strong philanthropic work off the field will only bolster his incredible on the field credentials. Even after other HoF candidates like Will Shields and Willie Roaf retired, Waters continued to dominate the guard position. With four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro campaigns under his belt, he has the foundation to merit at least strong consideration for the Hall.

Do you agree or disagree? Have any other players worth throwing in? Perhaps Monty Beisel or Demorrio Williams?

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Agree

When I first read the title I immediately thought Brandon Albert & Brandon Flowers. After I take a big swig of kool-aid and picture our newly signed franchise QB leading us to the SB, I like to think Matt Cassel will get there.

by Spiderwomn69 on Jul 28, 2009 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dorsey is probably the only one that has a legitimate chance

That being said, he has to continue to progress and be used correctly. I just remember hearing all the talk about him being “A sure thing” in his last year at LSU. I just hope he becomes a sure thing while he is a Chief, not after we write him off and send him to Seattle for a 4th rounder.

Those other players all have chance to be very good players, but HoF candadacy is to be reserved for the best of the best.

Happiness is a long walk with a putter in your hand.

by craig in calgary on Jul 28, 2009 10:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

future chief HOFers

how about Wade Smith or Derek Lokey? Somehow I don’t look at your group as legit

by Remember Marv Levy on Jul 28, 2009 10:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Zach Thomas Will Make It

I suppose Waters might but he’s got the dual problem of both being in a small media market and playing for a team that was mediocre to terrible for most of his time here. Bowe’s talented enough I think, but he’ll have to produce at a higher level than he has or produce at his current level for a long time. I’m not even going to speculate on the guys who’ve been here just a year…way too soon.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
3. Maurice Carthon will be the most hated man on the Chiefs' coaching staff within two years.
4. Larry Johnson has already played his last meaningful game for the Kansas City Chiefs. He's gone before the 2009 season starts.
5. Larry Johnson will gain 0 yards rushing for the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West.

by UCrawford on Jul 28, 2009 10:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Waters just isn't good enough

Not once watching Waters did I say to myself “Wow, he’s one of the greatest to ever do this”

Happiness is a long walk with a putter in your hand.

by craig in calgary on Jul 28, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Did

Exactly once. The night that he spent crushing the Ravens Ray Lewis. Otherwise he doesn’t measure up to his former teammate Will Shields, or the Vikings Steve Hutchinson. Without Superbowl rings or a decades worth of pro bowls, it hard for a guard to make the HOF. There are guards better than Waters still waiting.

There are only 10 types of people in this world. Those that understand binary, and those that don't.

by Frahnkensteen on Jul 28, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wasn't that just as much Willie Roaf as it was Waters?

New Stiga table?!?! Return of the Brookside Pongers???

by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 28, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You would think so

But on that given night the Ravens were trying to counter our tendency of running to Roaf’s side by lining the end up a little wider than normal thus forcing Roaf to take him to the outside one on one. The theory was that the tackle would take Weigman, and Ray Lewis could beat the guard before the runner even left the backfield. It worked like a charm except that the other part of the equation was that the Allpro middle linbacker kept getting taken out of the play by a converted tight end from Western Texas. Roaf and Weigman both did their parts, but Waters got the glory because Lewis was so highly regarded.

There are only 10 types of people in this world. Those that understand binary, and those that don't.

by Frahnkensteen on Jul 28, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I think he’s had a very solid career, but not really a Hall of Fame career. But then stranger things have happened, so I suppose he might squeak in. If I were looking for a team and could choose from all players in NFL history, though, I can think of about 20 guys I’d rather have than Waters. John Hannah, Mike Munchak, Bruce Matthews, Will Shields, Steve Wisniewski, Harris Barton, Gene Upshaw, Larry Little, Joe DeLamielleure, Mark Tuinei, Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson, Jim Parker, Eric Andolsek, Jerry Kramer, Dan Dierdorf, Randall McDaniel, Dave Szott, Kevin Glover, Mark Schlereth.

Actually, Waters might not even be in the top 30 guards I’d select.

Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Jul 28, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Colquitt or Nick the Kick

New Stiga table?!?! Return of the Brookside Pongers???

by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 28, 2009 10:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Colquitt is pretty bad ass...He has a shot in the future if he can keep doing what he has done.

I have very high hopes for Albert also.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Jul 28, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brandon Flowers

Certainly has the skill to be a HoF CB, but his achillies heal may be his size. Flowers may be able to shutdown a receiver that is ~6’. But could he effectively cover a 6’4" receiver? At 5’9" that would be tough.

by Scaryclouds on Jul 28, 2009 10:58 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Positions, positions, positions

I think that more important than who these players are is what positions they play. For example, in the modern era only 37 offensive linemen have been selected (with 5 starters on a team) while 25 running backs have been selected (with 1-2 starters per team).

http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/positions.aspx

Based on what I see, it looks like RB’s have the easiest way in. If LJ can get back to form and have three 1,500 yard/12 td seasons (I know, it’s a stretch) he’ll be in the top 25 in all time yards and top 10 in all time touchdowns. While he certainly isn’t a fan favorite, I think that with really only 3 seasons of “use” under his belt, it isn’t completely unbelieveable to hope for a few more good years out of him.

by 1kmilesfromkc on Jul 28, 2009 11:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Unless KC gets into a whole bunch of Super Bowls

I don’t see many getting consideration even if they deserve it. Albert and Dorsey could have a chance.

Bowe might if his concentration improves, he cuts down on his drops and his production goes up, he’d be a #2 on a lot of teams with his current production, will be an arguement some have and another arguement will be how much were his numbers inflated by Kansas City playing catch-up, and the third look at the drops.

Flowers has a chance but he doesn’t remind me of Deion Sanders he reminds me of that little cornerback that played for the Packers and the Dolphins and then just kicked around from team to team after he got beat up. I think he even landed in KC before he was cut and wound up somewhere else. Sorry his name escapes me. We had Hasty, and Carter that year. A less talented Darrell Green maybe. If Flowers was in the league 10 years ago when the recievers were a little smaller there’d be a chance.

Too many punters in the league post better numbers than Colquitt from year to year he’s just not dominating the league. Lechler has a better chance of making the HOF than Colquitt. Colquitt is a specialist after all and we know how much love they get in the HOF.

Zach Thomas because of his play and Vrabel for how many superbowls he won with NE?

Larry Johnson, if he has a breakout year this year it’s going to be argued that he was a product of the line every year.

If KC wins two superbowls over the next few years, Cassel or whoever our starting QB is, Flowers, Albert, Dorsey, Bowe, Waters, the Core will be in, LJ or Charles or whoever our starting RB is, a pass rusher or two. How many 49ers, Dolphins, Steelers and Cowboys are in the hall from their multiple superbowl years, that can be argued that they were products of the system?

More early draft picks will have to be stockpiled, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round, and we’re going to have to hit more consistantly on offensive and Defensive Line picks than we have in the last 10 years, that’s where the games are won. Those guys can turn journeymen into probowlers. Win some superbowls, otherwise there’s going to be a guy or two who’s deserving of the HOF that’s not even going to get a look.

As it sits right now, the only remotely current chief goin is Gonzo.

by mcclanahanman on Jul 28, 2009 11:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

.....

The other knocks on LJ, blocking, and it will be argued recieving, he’s not a bad reciever out of the backfield, but it will be argued. Listen to what the writers say about the knocks on a player and that will be brought up in the arguements for and against the HOF.

by mcclanahanman on Jul 28, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The problem that is see with albert is that a lot of good left tackles are comming out of college these days and i dont think that anybody is standing out.
i think based on potential and position dorsey should have the best shot

by pmwz on Jul 28, 2009 11:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I remember the guy's name now

Terrell Buckley that’s who Flowers reminds me of, way above average corner that will tackle, but on the small side.

by mcclanahanman on Jul 28, 2009 11:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Next Two

Hall of Fame inductions for players with placards bearing the red and gold should be Tony Gonzalez and Will Shields.

Branden Albert has the talent. To make it he will have to be as dedicated to make himself better all year round as he has since last March. He will also have to claw his way past Ryan Clady as the AFC’s preeminate left tackle. He will have to stay healthy, and the Chiefs will have to return to having regular appearances in the playoffs.

Branden Flowers is the complete package, but can he be anything more than another Gary Green? He lacks the speed of the typical HOF corner. Think of all of the really fine corners this franchise has line up – Green, Emmit Thomas, Albert Lewis, Kevin Ross, James Hasty, Dale Carter just to name a few. In our club’s history only Thomas has gotten the nod from the Hall of Fame, but only after waiting decades plus he wears a Super Bowl ring. That speaks volumes – he has a steep hill to climb. (Flowers btw is my favorite current Chief – tough kid – a more talented and physically gifted Kevin Ross.)

In my mind Dewayne Bowe has the best shot, but there are some ifs attached. If he clicks with Cassel the way Michael Irvin and Troy Aikman did. If he can stay focused. If the Chiefs generate enough of a running game to keep safeties away from him. If the zebras let him push the way Irvin did. In fact, the receiver that is the best case scenario as a comparison to Bowe is Irvin, who was strong, big, not blazing fast, had some drops, made big plays. Once again, a Super Bowl ring didn’t hurt Irvin’s cause, it could only help Bowe.

As far as Glen Dorsey goes… Think about it, Neil Smith was the last truly great defensive lineman on the Chiefs. Is he in the HOF? Nope. Will he be? Probably not. Is Dorsey, or will he be as good as Neil Smith? Even in the best case, probably not. He is a fine young player, and a good guy by all accounts, but even a SB ring with the Broncos wasn’t enough to get Smith in. His chances don’t look good.

Here is a big “what if.” What if Larry Johnson discovers the fountain of youth, and racks up 1400+ yards this and next year, and we win the 2011 Super Bowl. He will have a ton of yards, the season record for carries, and a ring. Does he get in?

There are only 10 types of people in this world. Those that understand binary, and those that don't.

by Frahnkensteen on Jul 28, 2009 12:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Neil Smith is overrated

He was good but not HOF, He only seem great because QB’s were so afraid of DT. Smith only played 3 full seasons and most of his sacks came from QB’s running away from DT and right to him.

Herm is gone things are better with that one move!!

by bringbacktheglory on Jul 28, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are we talking about the same Neil Smith?

You are right he did play 3 full seasons… for Denver. Overall he had a 12 year career with 9 in KC. You are also right to say that he picked up some sacks because of Derrick Thomas, but he did have 105 in his career. I’m guessing that he got some of those without DT’s help.
If you want to know how good he was, get ahold of a copy of Kansas City at Denver 1994 MNF. The game where Joe Montana trumped John Elway’s 4th quarter comeback with a TD pass to Willie Davis with 25 seconds left. Dan Saleamua was out that night, and Thomas was suspended for the first 18 minutes of the game for being late to a meeting. Smith almost single handedly shut down Denver’s offense that first quarter – with a broken thumb. Thomas got the accolades – deservedly so – but Smith was a fine DE. I hope Tyson Jackson is as good as he was.

There are only 10 types of people in this world. Those that understand binary, and those that don't.

by Frahnkensteen on Jul 28, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When I said full seasons I thought people would know what i meant.

He was injured and didn’t play in every game of the season except for 3. He only played the full 16 games in 3 seasons. Also I didn’t say he was bad, I just said he isn’t HOF caliber. Him and DT were a great team, but DT was by far the better of the two.

Herm is gone things are better with that one move!!

by bringbacktheglory on Jul 28, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not a chance on LJ

IMO. Just my gut feeling.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Jul 28, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tyler Thigpen........?

by Throw Up The X on Jul 28, 2009 12:54 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Johnnie Morton is a first balloter

Happiness is a long walk with a putter in your hand.

by craig in calgary on Jul 28, 2009 1:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I can’t think of a single current Chief, other than perhaps Colquitt, who has shown anything as a Chief that makes me think of him as one of the best-ever players at his position. Heck, I can’t think of any who has shown that he is headed in that direction. Obviously Thomas can and probably will make it, but not as a Chief. Bowe has shown some pretty good things at times, but he’s nowhere near the HOF threshold at this point. Larry Johnson’s going to be lucky if he makes another Pro Bowl in his career. Waters is a guard. If he were a QB and played as well for that position as he does for guard, then he’d have a chance, but the fact is that guards very rarely make the HOF. It’s even more rare for a punter, which is why it’s quite unlikely that Colquitt will make it. Too bad, too. I like that kid.

by burntorangehorn on Jul 28, 2009 4:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs