joseephuss
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I think you guys are short changing the hall of fame...
Only 8 tight ends have been inducted in the modern era. Usually only a few tight ends from a generation go in.
Mike Ditka 1961-1972
John Mackey 1963-1972
Jackie Smith 1963-1978
Charlie Sanders 1968-1977
Dave Casper 1974-1984
Ozzie Newsome 1978-1990
Kellen Winslow 1979-1987
Shannon Sharpe 1990-2003
By the time it comes to induct Witten, a lot of guys are going to be coming up behind him with similar numbers or better projected numbers. His lack of touchdowns versus most tight ends in this range will be a problem for him. Vernon Davis has more TDs than Witten, as does Antonio Gates and Dallas Clark.
None of the younger guys will be from Witten's generation. They are the next generation.
Dallas Clark is retired and he trails Witten by around 400 receptions and 4000 yards.
Vernon Davis also trails Witten by nearly those same totals. He has already played a long time, so I don't see him catching or coming close to Witten's final numbers. He is only two years younger than Witten.
Antonio Gates will get in the Hall of Fame. He and Witten will be the tight ends of their generation to get into the club. I don't consider Tony Gonzalez as part of that same generation. He was playing for 6 years before Witten and Gates entered the league. Witten also has more receptions and yards than Gates. Gates is also 2 years older and has had to deal with injuries over the last few seasons. I think he will retire a year or few before Witten, but Gates is certainly deserving of going into the HoF.
There will not be a lot of guys coming up with better numbers. There may be one or two, but not a bunch.