Dallas Cowboys Pro Football Hall of Fame watch

In 2019 with New England, Gilmore became the sixth cornerback and just the third since 1994 to be named Defensive Player of the Year. Four of those cornerbacks (Mel Blount, Rod Woodson, Deion Sanders and Charles Woodson) already have busts in Canton.

On NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" recently, former Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan compared Gilmore to 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame class member Darrelle Revis and noted how difficult it is for defensive backs to win the DPOY.

“This guy is special," he said. "For you to get a Defensive Player of the Year at DB and be doing it at the level you’ve been doing it, on an island, that’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer." 

A five-time Pro Bowler with Buffalo, Carolina and New England, Gilmore has 427 solo tackles, tackles, 29 interceptions and 127 passes defended. But Gilmore has just five interceptions since his 2019 peak and he’ll turn 33 in September. Playing opposite Trevon Diggs should improve his Hall of Fame odds, but he’ll need to play well in 2023 and beyond to be considered a lock.

Young players who could develop into Hall of Famers

Micah Parsons, linebacker: According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, before the 2021 NFL Draft, an unnamed coach said that Parsons is a "future Hall of Famer" and a player who "always shines in the biggest moments."

So far so good. Since joining the team in 2021, the former Nittany Lion has 149 tackles, 26.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. His 13.5 sacks last season were fifth most in the NFL.

In only two seasons, Parsons has an NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and two first-team All-Pro nods. At this pace, the 24-year-old linebacker can expect more accolades and maybe even a gold jacket.

CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver: Shortly after joining the Cowboys as the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Lamb talked about his career goals with the  Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill. 

"Be a Hall of Famer," Lamb said. "Have as much of an impact or more that Michael [Irvin] had on the game and on America's Team."  

He’s on the right track. Lamb’s numbers have gotten better every year. Last season, he tied for the fifth-most receptions (107) in the NFL and ranked sixth for yards (1,359) and touchdown catches (nine). Lamb played so well in 2021 that the team had no problem trading four-time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper to Cleveland. 

This season, Lamb should have more open looks with Brandin Cooks to help shoulder the load at receiver. As long as Lamb stays healthy, there’s no reason to think he won’t be a Hall of Famer someday.