Bruce Smith leads Hall of Fame class

[Wassit3]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9...class?MSNHPHMA

[dickay]

Bruce Smith & Woodson were givens.

I'm pleasantly surprised that one of my favorite players of alltime made it in, and that is Derrick Thomas.

Thomas IMO was the most amazing defensive player I ever saw. I was too young to remember Lawrence Taylor at his peak, but during Thomas's time he was one of a kind. A relentless pass rusher, he'd often leave his LB position to take a stance on the D-Line, as KC invented ways to maximize his talents. What was most amazing to me about Thomas was how quick he got off the snap. Often it seemed before the ball got to the hands of the QB from the center, Thomas was past his blocker and into the backfield.

Thomas was arguably the most dominant defender in the 90's. Nobody had more sacks during that decade. In addition, having spent some time in KC, i've learned how much of a humanitarian he was. Truly a great person, in addition to a great football player.

Sadly, at age 33 and still in peak playing condition he died in an auto accident in 2000. He still ranks 9th alltime in sacks, and one can only guess where he'd be alltime if he hadn't been taken so young.

[Arctic Blast]

Derrick Thomas was an absolute monster...glad to see him finally make it. I feel the same way about Randall McDaniel, who was one of the best offensive linemen of his generation. Ralph Wilson is a bit of a twit...he's also owned the Buffalo Bills for the entire time the franchise has existed, and was one of the big voices in the AFL. Tagliabue ushered the league in to an era of insane profitability. And Woodson and Smith, as dickay said, were ironclad locks.

[Wassit3]

Derrick Thomas was an absolute monster...glad to see him finally make it. I feel the same way about Randall McDaniel, who was one of the best offensive linemen of his generation. Ralph Wilson is a bit of a twit...he's also owned the Buffalo Bills for the entire time the franchise has existed, and was one of the big voices in the AFL. Tagliabue ushered the league in to an era of insane profitability. And Woodson and Smith, as dickay said, were ironclad locks.

When Woodson played for the Steelers I didn't like him but only because I had a friend that had a man crush on him to the point that no matter what at some point he would bring up how great Woodson was. McDaniel was a lock for me too. But so was Kevin Greene, I think he will eentually get in tho snubbed this time.

[ragecage]

I have 3 words. Tecmo Super Bowl

[Arctic Blast]

When Woodson played for the Steelers I didn't like him but only because I had a friend that had a man crush on him to the point that no matter what at some point he would bring up how great Woodson was. McDaniel was a lock for me too. But so was Kevin Greene, I think he will eentually get in tho snubbed this time.

Greene will get in. There is an absolute backlog of guys right now...a situation I'd much rather the Hall have that anyone who did okay for a little while getting in at the drop of a hat.