The 44 selectors today will cut the 17 finalists to seven, then choose at least four - and a maximum of seven - for induction into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum of 80 percent of the votes. Enshrinement will be Aug. 2.
Cris Carter, WR, 1987-2002 (Eagles, Vikings, Dolphins)
First-time candidate; second all-time in receptions (1,101); second in career receiving TDs (130)
Fred Dean, DE, 1975-85 (Chargers, 49ers)
Two-time All-Pro, four-time Pro Bowler; close to 100 career sacks (stat not official until 1982)
Richard Dent, DE, 1983-97 (Bears, 49ers, Colts, Eagles)
Eight straight seasons of double-digit sacks, 137 1/2 in career; four-time All-Pro, Super Bowl XX MVP
Marshall Goldberg, RB/DB, 1939-48 (Chicago Cardinals)
Three-way standout; two-time All-NFL; led Cardinals to only NFL championship in 1947
Randy Gradishar, LB, 1974-83 (Broncos)
Five straight All-Pro seasons; Denver's all-time leading tackler; 1978 NFL Defensive Player of Year
Darrell Green, CB, 1983-2002 (Redskins)
First-time candidate; four-time All-Pro; 54 INTs, at least one in NFL-record 19 straight seasons
Russ Grimm, G, 1981-91 (Redskins)
Anchor of offensive line that won three Super Bowls; four All-Pro nods and four Pro Bowls
Ray Guy, P, 1973-86 (Raiders)
Six-time All-Pro and seven Pro Bowls; averaged 42.4 yards over 1,049 career punts (just 3 blocked)
Bob Kuechenberg, G, 1970-84 (Dolphins)
Excelled at all line positions; leader on Miami's unbeaten 1972 team; six Pro Bowl appearances
Randall McDaniel, G, 1988-2001 (Vikings, Buccaneers)
All-Pro nine straight years and played in a record 12 straight Pro Bowls; made 202 consecutive starts
Art Monk, WR, 1980-95 (Redskins, Jets, Eagles)
Among NFL's all-time leaders with 940 receptions; All-Pro twice; won three Super Bowls
Andre Reed, WR, 1985-2000 (Bills, Redskins)
Seven Pro Bowls; all but 10 of his 951 catches with Bills; 13,095 career receiving yards
Derrick Thomas, LB, 1989-99 (Chiefs)
Most sacks in the 1990s (125 1/2) and 126 1/2 overall; named to nine Pro Bowls; 20 sacks in 1990
Emmitt Thomas, CB, 1966-78 (Chiefs)
Kansas City's all-time leader with 58 INTs; appointed to five Pro Bowls and a three-time All-NFL
Andre Tippett, LB, 1982-93 (Patriots)
Member of NFL's All-Decade team for 1980s; led AFC in sacks twice; team-record 18 1/2 sacks in 1984
Gary Zimmerman, OT, 1986-97 (Vikings, Broncos)
Named to two NFL All-Decade teams (1980s, '90s); All-Pro honors eight times and seven Pro Bowls
Paul Tagliabue, Commissioner, 1989-2006
Forward-thinker who established overseas and Internet markets; labor peace throughout tenure
