Ranking the Top 12 2026 NFL Hall of Fame First-Time Eligible Candidates

1. Drew Brees - Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees has a seemingly never-ending list of accomplishments. While Tom Brady eventually passed him, Brees ended his career with the most passing yards in league history. Combined with his 13 Pro Bowls, two Offensive Player of the Year Awards, and Super Bowl, Brees is a lock to be included in next year's Hall of Fame class.

11. Dez Bryant - Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys

For three years, Dez Bryant was the pre-eminent wide receiver in football. Unable to sustain that level of play, Bryant eventually fell off his All-Pro pace before injuries derailed his career in his twilight years.

10. Julian Edelman - Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

A product of the New England Patriots dynasty, Julian Edelman had several notable accomplishments across his 11-year career. Most famously, he hauled in 10 passes for 141 yards in Super Bowl LIII, earning the MVP. 

9. Geno Atkins - Defensive Tackle, Cincinnati Bengals

Geno Atkins burst onto the scene in the NFL and didn't take his foot off the pedal until he retired 11 years later. Over that stretch, the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle racked up 11 Pro Bowls, two All-Pros, and was named to the 2010s Hall of Fame team.

8. Philip Rivers - Quarterback, San Diego Chargers

Philip Rivers came up during the golden era of quarterbacks, which was both a blessing and a curse. While it helped him create an illustrious career, Rivers failed to reach the level of some of the other quarterbacks during that time.

7. Maurkice Pouncey - Center, Pittsburgh Steelers

For 10 seasons, Maurkice Pouncey was one of the premier centers in the league. Pouncey made the Pro Bowl in every full season he played, making the All-Pro team twice and finishing third in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. 

6. Greg Olsen - Tight End, Carolina Panthers

Greg Olsen sharpened his teeth with the Chicago Bears before he learned how to hunt with the Carolina Panthers. He retired with the seventh-most receiving yards among tight ends and three Pro Bowl nods.

5. LeSean McCoy - Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles/Buffalo Bills

LeSean McCoy's most productive years were spent with the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. By the end of his 12-year career, McCoy had accumulated over 11,000 rushing yards and nearly 4,000 receiving yards en route to two Super Bowl titles and being named to the 2010 Hall of Fame team.

4. Jason Witten - Tight End, Dallas Cowboys

Jason Witten's enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is nothing more than a formality. The Cowboys tight end played 17 seasons, making 11 Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. Moreover, his 13,046 receiving yards are the second-most among tight ends all-time.

3. Frank Gore - Running Back, San Francisco 49ers

Running backs have short and unforgiving careers. That's what makes Frank Gore's Hall of Fame career so spectacular. The five-time Pro Bowler played 17 seasons in the NFL, churning out 16,000 yards. For perspective, he nearly played long enough to suit up next to his son, Frank Gore Jr.

2. Larry Fitzgerald - Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals

Larry Fitzgerald was one of the most prolific pass catchers in the history of the NFL. Seventeen seasons in the league, all of which were spent with the Arizona Cardinals, resulted in over 1,400 receptions and 17,492 yards. If he hasn't already, Fitzgerald should start preparing his induction speech.

1. Drew Brees - Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees has a seemingly never-ending list of accomplishments. While Tom Brady eventually passed him, Brees ended his career with the most passing yards in league history. Combined with his 13 Pro Bowls, two Offensive Player of the Year Awards, and Super Bowl, Brees is a lock to be included in next year's Hall of Fame class.