Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks to throw a pass against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Hall of Fame debates are one of the best parts of sports. The NFL is no exception to that. Every fan has an opinion on who deserves a gold jacket and who falls just short. Some selections seem like complete locks, while others spark immediate debate.
Some NFL teams have future Hall of Famers, others… maybe not 😅 pic.twitter.com/71o7F5dG4T
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) August 6, 2026
That’s exactly what happened after DraftKings shared its prediction of one future Hall of Famer from each of the NFL’s 32 teams using only active players.
Some of the choices were obvious. Others may have fans scratching their heads.
Easy picks
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Several of the predictions feel like virtual certainties.
Players such as Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, Christian McCaffrey, and even Maxx Crosby have already built résumés that either put them on a Hall of Fame trajectory or make them strong candidates if they continue producing at a high level.
Veteran stars like Cameron Jordan, Tristan Wirfs, Lane Johnson, Justin Jefferson, and Micah Parsons were also among the selections, giving each of their franchises a player with an impressive body of work. Those are the types of names that most NFL fans can agree on.
The more questionable choices
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Not every prediction is likely to age as well. DraftKings selected players like Tetairoa McMillan, Tyler Smith and Jayden Daniels for their respective franchises.
While each possesses tremendous talent, they’re still early in their careers and have plenty left to prove before Hall of Fame discussions become realistic. That’s what makes this exercise so interesting.
Projecting future Hall of Famers isn’t just about identifying the best players today—it’s about predicting who will sustain greatness for a decade or more. Injuries, team success, individual awards, and longevity all play significant roles.
Some of DraftKings’ predictions feel like slam dunks. Others are bold projections based more on potential than accomplishments. Only time will reveal which selections were accurate, but one thing is certain: these debates will continue for years to come.
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