MVN: Most Valuable Network

Recently the NFL released its list of 28 semi finalists for the ultimate honor that can befall an NFL player, enshrinement in the NFL Hall of Fame. This list will be poured over by sports writers and others in the NFL's answer to the Catholic Church's College of Cardinals and when the smoke comes out of the chimney, the Hall of Fame will have up to seven new members. I'm not a Stonecutter, so I will just make my picks for the Hall of Fame and some observations on the the nominees, whilst I stalk Lenny and Carl trying to find out how I can become one.

The 28 semifinalists for the NFL Hall of Fame are: Andre Reed, Steve Tasker, Cris Carter, Darell Green, Terrell Davis, Ken Stabler, Dermonti Dawson, Fred Dean, Richard Dent, Charles Haley, Kevin Greene, Randy Grandishar, Derrick Thomas, Andre Triplett, Rickey Jackson, Russ Grimm, Bob Kuechenberg, Randall McDaniel, Joe Jacoby, Gary Zimmerman, Cortez Kennedy, Lester Hayes, and Ray Guy.

My seven new Hall of Fame members:

Ken "The Snake" Stabler: This one is a no brainer, and not just because of my Raiders bias. The Snake is long overdue for his enshrinement in Canton. Rather than reinvent the wheel, here is a recent post where I advocated the Snake for enshrinement.

Ray Guy: Ray Guy revolutionized the position of punter. He was one of the first to specialize in "coffin corner" punts, because of his booming punts they started keeping track of hang time, he was accused of putting helium in the ball to make his punts stay up so long. He was a big reason for the Raiders' success during his career as he would continuously help put the opponents in bad field position. He was named the punter on the NFL all 75 team. He should have been in long ago, maybe this year where punters are finally getting some respect Guy will get in.

Lester Hayes: Lester had a history making season in 1980 where he came close to Dick "Night Train" Lane's single season interception record. Following that year, not too many quarterbacks would throw in his direction. He ended his career with 39 interceptions, and was named to the NFL's all 1980s team.

Cris Carter: Cris is one of the NFL's  feel good stories with how he was able to overcome substance abuse problems and get his life together. This coupled with him being one of a handful of players not named Jerry Rice with over 100 touchdowns for his career gives him the nod.

Derrick Thomas: Only LT (Lawrence Taylor, the REAL LT) keeps him from being the best pass rushing linebacker ever. Thomas was a force who had to be game planned for. I will never forget his six sack performance against the Raiders where he sacked Jeff George for a safety. Before that play he was making the safety signal, and sure enough he got it. Tragically, his life and career was cut short by a car accident.

Darrell Green:  Green played cornerback at a high level for twenty years, and that alone nearly gets him here. 54 interceptions for 6 touchdowns cinches the deal.

Dermontti Dawson: Dawson took over the position of starting center from Hall of Fame member Mike Webster, and didn't miss a beat. He was named a member of the all 1990s team.

Yeah, I picked three Raiders. All three of them are past due for enshrinement. I picked a Raider killer in Derrick Thomas, and a Steeler in Dawson. Terrell Davis, in my opinion is the most overrated running back to play the game and should not be enshrined.