Rod Smith
I probably wouldn’t pound the table too hard for either Taylor or Thomas, though both have unique arguments, but in the case of Rod Smith, he is a Hall of Fame receiver, regardless of any talk of Edelman.
Let’s just compare the resumes.
Edelman: 620 career receptions, 6,822 receiving yards, 36 touchdowns
Smith: 849 career receptions, 11, 389 receiving yards, 68 touchdowns
That’s just not even close. Smith ranks 28th on the league’s all-time receptions list and he carries the distinction of being one of the best undrafted players in the history of the league.
He also has two Super Bowl rings and he went to the Pro Bowl three times. But look at his numbers compared to Edelman’s. He has 4,567 more receiving yards. That’s probably three very good seasons ahead of Edelman.
When you break it down like that, it really shows how weak Edelman’s claim to the Hall of Fame is. After all, how much consideration has Smith gotten for enshrinement since his playing career ended back in 2007?
Basically none.
If Edelman were to be elected into the Hall of Fame while Smith was left wondering, it would be a travesty. There is no doubt that Edelman was a crucial piece of the league’s greatest dynasty, but the accomplishments of a player like Smith, who came out of tiny Missouri Southern to become the best wide receiver in Broncos history, should not be forgotten.
If Edelman goes in, it should be about a decade after Smith’s election.