Everson Griffen
If you asked me to make this list three years ago, I probably would have placed Everson Griffen higher. After a rollercoaster of a 2018 campaign, Griffen enters 2019 with 66.5 career sacks. He also has 77 tackles for loss in nine seasons.
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Griffen has been a staple of one of the best defenses in the league for several years now. His Hall of Fame prospects were much higher a few years ago, but his consistency is noteworthy.
Why he will get in
Griffen has been a nightmare for opposing tackles. His arsenal of rush moves has paved the way for his success up to this point. He has a deadly spin move and a powerful bull rush to get to the quarterback often. His 66.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles have been vital for Minnesota’s defensive success of late.
Between 2014 and 2017, Griffen missed just two games and racked up 43.5 sacks. He totaled a whopping 101 hits on the quarterback during those four seasons. Griffen was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2015 to 2017 as well. That stretch was by far the best of his career up to this point.
Why he will miss out
Everson Griffen hasn’t been much outside of those four seasons. He didn’t become a full-time starter until his fifth NFL season. His career sack total will not come anywhere close to those of Hall of Fame rushers of the past. He only has three seasons with double-digit sack totals. I think Griffen is a longshot to make Canton, but he is a strong candidate for the Vikings Ring of Honor.