Which of the final Class of 2022 nominees could become first-ballot Hall of Famers?

Chicago Bears v Green Bay Packers

Devin Hester, wide receiver/kick returner

Devin Hester is such an interesting case in the Hall of Fame discussion. The highlight of his career are his skills as a return specialist. Hester burst onto the scene with the Chicago Bears in 2006 with five return touchdowns.

He did get time as a wide receiver throughout his career, but the threat of him taking one to the house from a kickoff or punt is what has him on this list of semifinalists.

Hester retired with 14 punt return touchdowns and five kick return touchdowns. That may not seem like a ton, but think about how rare it is to see a player take one back in a season. Hester was so good at his job that he made four All-Pro teams. Special teams are a huge aspect of the NFL game, and Hester deserves Hall of Fame induction at some point. He may just have to wait as other true skill players get in ahead of him.

Robert Mathis, defensive lineman

Robert Mathis spent his entire NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts and was a staple on defense from 2003-2016. As soon as he entered the league he became known for his ability to force fumbles. In fact, he is the all-time leader with 54. He had 10 in the 2013 season alone.

Mathis retired with 123 sacks. He made eight Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro on one occasion. In addition, he won a Super Bowl with Indianapolis. The forced fumbles and sacks are what have Mathis on this list. However, he is a toss-up for the Hall of Fame on his first ballot due to his lack of All-Pro nods even with the great counting stats.

Vince Wilfork, defensive lineman

Would Vince Wilfork be on this Hall of Fame list if he did not play with the New England Patriots? That is impossible to know, but being in the national spotlight certainly boosts his case.

Wilfork retired with 16 career sacks, but did make four All-Pro teams and won two Super Bowls. The All-Pro nods do stand out as to why he has gone down as one of the greatest of his generation. However, his position as a nose tackle means it is tough to dive into his stats and find evidence as to why he should make the Hall of Fame, not just on his first ballot, but in general.

DeMarcus Ware, linebacker

DeMarcus Ware was an absolute force throughout his NFL career. He ranks ninth all-time with 138.5 career sacks and even had 20 back during the 2008 season with the Dallas Cowboys. Hall of Fame induction was always the end game.

Ware helped the Denver Broncos win Super Bowl 50 and made it to seven All-Pro teams throughout his career. He may be the only true lock on this list to make the Hall of Fame on his first ballot. Being an All-Pro so often is extremely rare. He also made nine Pro Bowls, so he was routinely seen as a superstar in the league.

Ware will be a part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2022.