Chargers Daily Links: Joey Bosa, Derwin James on pace for HoF

Football fans love to throw around the phrase “future Hall-of-Famer” when it comes to their favorite players, especially those on their favorite teams. Sometimes it’s warranted, sure. There are players who come out of the draft so searing hot that they put together a performance during their rookie contracts that would make anyone say, “Yeah, he’s headed for Canton.”

Now, let’s take that idea and out it in the context of the LA Chargers. When you think of this team, who are the players that you feel are most-likely on the path to making the Hall of Fame? Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes it’s either going to be defensive end Joey Bosa or safety Derwin James.

Below, you’ll find Barnwell’s thoughts on either player, along with their estimated chances of making it to Canton. And even further down, you’ll find a handful of other players that Barnwell believes have an even smaller chance of getting enshrined.

“In the running (40% to 69%): James was a first-team All-Pro as a rookie, and while he missed 11 games in 2019 with a foot injury, he should get back on track in 2020. Of the 16 Hall-eligible first-rounders who were first-team All-Pros as rookies, nine are enshrined. If James gets back there this season, he might even be able to jump into the Likely category.”

“Bosa’s case is trickier, in part because he missed four games in 2016 and nine games in 2018 with injuries. In his other two seasons, he racked up a combined 23 sacks and made a pair of Pro Bowls. While James is closer to the 69% end of the spectrum here, Bosa’s more toward the 40% mark. We all know what he’s capable of, but he needs to put together a first-team All-Pro or Defensive Player of the Year-level campaign soon.”

Keenan Allen, Melvin Ingram, Trai Turner, and Chris Harris Jr. were all named as player with “work to do” in order to make the Hall. Below, Barnwell gives a few thoughts on just Turner and Harris Jr.

Work to do (10% to 39%): Turner has made five consecutive Pro Bowls, but interior linemen typically need multiple first-team All-Pro nods to draw significant Hall interest. Harris has four Pro Bowls and a first-team All-Pro appearance in 2016, but his play has slipped over the past couple of years, and smaller cornerbacks typically don’t do well after they turn 30.

I think out of all four of these players, Harris has the best shot by far. He’s won a Super Bowl and has multiple All-Pro honors. In fact, he’s the only player in this group to be named an All-Pro. The rest have a handful of Pro Bowl nominations, but nothing that really scratches the surface of Harris’ resume.

Allen is coming off three-straight Pro Bowls while averaging over 100 catches and 1,000 yards a season during that stretch. He’s lacking in the touchdown department, unfortunately, but he’s got plenty of time to build on his resume. He’s going to have to continue on this pace, and maybe even take it to the next level, if he ever wants to put on a gold jacket.

Now for today’s links.

Chargers News:

Joshua Kelley is taking enjoying every second of being a rookie (Chargers.com)

Gavino Borquez points out three Chargers that no one is talking about this training camp (Chargers Wire)

Jason Reed lists the greatest Chargers to ever wear the #41 (Bolt Beat)

Dan Fouts can’t wait to share his knowledge with rookie Justin Herbert (The Athletic)

NFL News:

NFL Nation keeps track of all 32 teams and whether or not they are allowing fans this season (ESPN)

Mike Clay lists his favorites for fantasy breakout players in 2020 (ESPN+)

Von Miller considered opting-out this season (Pro Football Talk)

Ben Roethlisberger discusses coming back from his severe elbow surgery (Pro Football Talk)

Patrik Walker predicts 2019 playoff teams who will miss out in 2020 (CBS Sports)

The P.J. Hall trade between the Raiders and Vikings gets called off after failed physical (Bleacher Report)