future Hall of Famers

by usana_gaines on May 18, 2009 11:40 AM EDT

There are no Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame, and I would say there are no current Panthers who have done enough to get there. My question is who do you think will get there that is on the roster right now? I think Smitty is definitely on his way, but a new offense that is in the top 5 in pass attempts would help. That isn't Foxy football, though, and Smitty would rather win than have better stats. I think D-Will will be considered a shoo-in within six years. Peppers has to play here longer and at last years level for a few more years. What do you think? What about Beason, Stewart, Moose, or Gross?

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Hm..

I think its way too early for Beason, Stewart, or DeAngelo to be considered. Beason is a good linebacker, but he’d need to pick up his game before he could be considered a Hall of Famer. Stewart could be, or he could turn out to be just a good backup (not likely, but its way too early to tell). I think if DeAngelo has around 6 more seasons like he had this past year, he’d definitely be in. The only problem is he’d have to dominate until he’s in his 30s, and with his style of play, it would be difficult to accomplish.

I don’t think there’s any way Moose would get in. He’s a pretty good receiver who blocks well, and had a couple great seasons. That’s just not enough. I doubt Gross would make it in either. Its hard enough for an offensive lineman to make it in, and playing for a lesser known team would make it more difficult. If Gross has a shot, I think it would hinge a lot on DeAngelo/Stewart’s careers.

The one I think we’d all like to see get in would be Sam Mills, but its very doubtful that would happen either. He was a great player, but just doesn’t have the stats to get him in. If character came into play, he’d definitely find his way in.

I think for now, unless something changes, Steve Smith has the best shot at getting in, and I think even that may be a bit of a longshot. But we’re a new team, it’ll come to us eventually.

by 89_Vision on May 19, 2009 11:42 AM EDT reply actions

Don't discount Peppers...

I don’t like the guy, but he’ll probably have the stats by the end of his career.

by MichaelProcton on May 19, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I just really didn’t want to discuss Peppers right now. He’s dead to me haha

by 89_Vision on May 19, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

But the real question is...

…if Peppers does have the stats at the end of his career, will he want to go into the HoF as a Panther, or with the jersey of whatever team he plays for next?

by NSpicer on May 19, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess that depends on whether he...

stays a Panthers or if he leaves how much longer he plays somewhere else. Given his attitude towards the Panthers my guess would be the latter.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on May 19, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

The REAL question on all of these guys

is can they win a Super Bowl?

If they bring home the hardware, or (be still my heart) two or three trophies, then we’re suddenly talking about Smitty and Peppers and Beason and Gross as Hall Of Fame candidates. Don’t forget, Beason made SI’s All Pro list his rookie season, he’ll continue to make Pro Bowl after Pro Bowl for years to come, and if we can put rings on his fingers, then he’ll stand a real good chance. Same for Peppers. DeAngelo would need another 5+ years like ‘08, and even then it might not be enough because Stewart’s simultaneous greatness might take the luster off of DWill’s shine.

But if the Panthers don’t win the Super Bowl(s), then I think Smitty’s the only one who stands a chance at coming up for discussion when the selectors get together. He’s just too much of a game-changer on an offense that doesn’t have any other options in the passing game. Even so, I don’t think he’d make it, but he’d at least stand a chance.

by r3 on May 20, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Just for your potential interest...

Gross made that same list as a rookie. However, most people generally tend to shrug that off.

by MichaelProcton on May 20, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Peppers and Smitty are my first thoughts

But they still need to add to their body of work

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on May 19, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

Reggie White was a Panther

but that doesn’t really count. I think Smith might make it in, as he could be like Joey Galloway and just keep on going. It’s too early to tell with most of our current guys.

by Flowing Willow on May 19, 2009 2:07 PM EDT reply actions