6. Riley Odoms, TE
Before Shannon Sharpe, there was Riley Odoms. In fact, I would argue that during his prime, Riley Odoms was the best tight end in the league. Yes, he was preceded by Mike Ditka and Jackie Smith, and followed by Ozzie Newsome but from 1972-1983, no tight end in the league had more receptions or yards.
Though the modern NFL has tight ends putting up video game numbers, Odoms still finished his career with 396 Receptions, 5,755 Yards, 41 TD’s, 4 Pro Bowls and 2 First Team-All Pro nods.
His numbers are neck and neck with Mike Ditka’s (427 Rec/5812 Yards/43 TD), and he has more receptions and yards than three tight ends currently in the Hall of Fame in Dave Casper, John Mackey, and Charlie Sanders. If he has HoF production, it seems apparent that he should be in Ring of Fame discussions as well.
Odoms was a big part of the late-70s teams that first brought the Broncos to national prominence, and was Craig Morton’s favorite target next to Haven Moses. The original #88 to tear it up for the Broncos, old-school fans would love to see Odoms in the Ring, and the spot would be well-deserved.