HOF prelim, 167 names

[rewing84]

Tillman is extremely underrated, thats for sure. He tackled --unlike some HOF corners--forced turnovers and scored 9 defensive TDs.
He played on very strong, opportunistic defenses that might have won a championship with the right QB. His accolades were low though, similar to another underrated player, Lavonte David.

Still, 38 interceptions and 45 Forced Fumbles? His argument is just as good as Ken Riley or Dick LeBeau.

Tillman has approached the level where so many people have said he's underrated that he's now become overrated. He was good player. Had one elite season.

Comparing him to Lebeau and Riley is off base. Both of those guys had over 60 career INT's. Tillman had less than 40.

A lot of people combine the forced fumbles as a way to make up for the turnover margin there, but Tillman had a lot of FF's that didn't end up generating turnovers. I looked into this a long time ago and walked away somewhat unimpressed.

Tillman just doesn't move the needle for me as a HOF CB. LeBeau and Riley are two of the least credentialed DB's in the entire HOF. If we can't even say for sure that Tillman clears that bar....that's not a very good case.

He's universally loved as a "great guy" though so I'm sure that will sneak him in at some point. I just don't think he belongs.

I'll disagree on lebeau and Riley and end it there