:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25406507/hall_of_famers_by_NFL_draft_since_merger.png?w=1024&resize=1024,0&ssl=1 "Most Hall of Famers Drafted by a Team Since the Merger")
The historic NFL-AFL merger occurred in 1970, marking a pivotal moment in professional football history. Since that time, an impressive total of 134 NFL Hall of Famers have been drafted, while others, like Kurt Warner, who were not initially drafted, have also earned their place in the Hall of Fame. This figure includes future inductees, but notably excludes players who were drafted before the merger and played afterward, such as Curley Culp, who was selected 31st overall in the 1968 draft by the Broncos yet never suited up for the team. The legacy of the merger continues to influence the league and its players today.
Among the remarkable athletes honored in the Hall of Fame, the Denver Broncos have successfully drafted four prominent players. Each of these legends has made significant contributions to the franchise and the league as a whole. The four Hall of Fame draftees from the Broncos include:
– 1974: Randy Gradishar
– 1989: Steve Atwater
– 1990: Shannon Sharpe
– 1995: Terrell Davis
Additionally, it’s interesting to note that John Elway was originally drafted by the Colts, despite having spent his entire illustrious career with the Broncos, becoming one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history.
Analyzing the drafts from 1970 to 2007 reveals a consistent trend: with the exception of 1992 and 2004, every draft has produced at least one Hall of Famer. However, no players selected in 2008 or later have yet made it into the Hall of Fame, underscoring the unpredictability of talent development at the professional level.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25406507/hall_of_famers_by_NFL_draft_since_merger.png "Most Hall of Famers Drafted by a Team Since the Merger")
Among the players drafted in 1992, Darren Woodson stands out as the only candidate with a potential shot at the Hall of Fame. He was a first-team All-Pro in 1994, 1995, and 1996 and earned a spot in five Pro Bowls during his career. Unfortunately, he is often confused with his Hall of Fame contemporaries, Rod and Charles Woodson, which could negatively affect his chances of induction. Rod Woodson was drafted in 1987 and was inducted in 2009, while Charles Woodson was drafted in 1998 and entered the Hall in 2021, creating a challenging path for Darren.
Looking at the 2004 draft, it featured notable players such as Jared Allen, who is expected to enter the Hall of Fame in the future. He was a first-team All-Pro four times and was selected to five Pro Bowls. Additionally, Larry Fitzgerald was also part of this draft class and is a guaranteed future Hall of Famer, having been named first-team All-Pro once and selected for an impressive eleven Pro Bowls during his illustrious career. Ben Roethlisberger, another prominent name from 2004, is also on the path to Hall of Fame recognition.
When assessing franchises that have drafted Hall of Famers from 1970 to 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers lead the pack with a remarkable total of 12 Hall of Famers, showcasing their successful scouting and drafting strategies over the decades. This achievement highlights the Steelers’ legacy as one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
| Franchise | Hall of Famers Drafted Since the Merger |
| Steelers | 12 |
| 49ers | 7 |
| Bears | 7 |
| Cowboys | 7 |
| Patriots | 7 |
| Rams | 7 |
| Buccaneers | 6 |
| Colts | 6 |
| Raiders | 6 |
| Bills | 5 |
| Chargers | 5 |
| Oilers | 5 |
| Seahawks | 5 |
| Broncos | 4 |
| Dolphins | 4 |
| Eagles | 4 |
| Giants | 4 |
| Redskins | 4 |
| Chiefs | 3 |
| Jets | 3 |
| Ravens | 3 |
| Saints | 3 |
| Vikings | 3 |
| Browns | 2 |
| Cardinals | 2 |
| Falcons | 2 |
| Lions | 2 |
| Packers | 2 |
| Bengals | 1 |
| Jaguars | 1 |
| Panthers | 1 |
| Texans | 1 |
In the analysis of franchises, four teams have managed to draft only one Hall of Famer since the merger, with three of them being relatively recent additions to the league: the Jaguars, Panthers, and Texans. The Bengals are the outlier in this group, as they have been part of the league for a longer period yet have only produced one Hall of Famer.
The comprehensive list of Hall of Famers drafted by year is detailed below, showcasing the talent and impact of these legendary players on the game.
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