Barnwell Projects 55 Hall of Fame-Caliber NFL Players Across 32 Teams

Q: If only three percent of today's players reach Canton, which shocking superstar is destined to be forgotten?

The most surprising name Barnwell effectively says is likely to be left out is **Cooper Kupp**. That is jarring because Kupp’s peak was as high as almost any receiver of his era: a Super Bowl title, Super Bowl MVP, and the 2021 receiving triple crown. On fame and signature moments alone, he feels like a Canton player. But Barnwell’s exercise is not about reputation; it is about how Hall voters have historically treated résumés over time. By that standard, Kupp’s case is weakened by limited longevity at an elite level, injuries, and a career volume profile that falls short of the usual Hall benchmark for wide receivers. A close second in the “how could he miss?” category is **Kyle Juszczyk**. He has 10 straight Pro Bowls and multiple All-Pro honors, which would normally scream Hall of Fame. But Barnwell argues the modern fullback role is too marginalized, and voters have not rewarded that position the way they reward quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, or edge rushers. Even an unusually decorated fullback can be squeezed out. If the question is which superstar is most likely to be remembered by fans but not rewarded by voters, Kupp is the clearest answer. If it is which decorated star is most vulnerable because of positional bias, it is Juszczyk. Barnwell’s broader point is that with only about 3% of players reaching Canton, even iconic careers can end in the Hall of Very Good.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 6

55 Hall of Famers from the 2002 season serve as Barnwell’s benchmark as he sorts current NFL players on all 32 teams into five tiers, from already "in" to effectively "missing out."
3% of the 1,839 players who appeared in 2002 eventually reached Canton, a historical hit rate he uses to frame how rare true Hall of Fame trajectories remain.
Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Travis Kelce headline the players Barnwell says could retire now and still make the Hall.
Justin Jefferson, Micah Parsons, Danielle Hunter, Budda Baker and Cameron Jordan land near lock territory, while younger stars such as Pat Surtain II, Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba need more elite seasons.
Historical voting patterns shape the exercise throughout, with quarterbacks, running backs and receivers helped by precedent while linemen, safeties and fullbacks face steeper paths.