There were some San Francisco 49ers fans who were surprised to see one name noticeably omitted from the Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists when the list of 15 was revealed on January 2. Much to their disappointment, former linebacker Patrick Willis didn't make the cut.
There was much debate whether or not Willis' shortened career would hinder his chances of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He'll probably get in there — eventually. But for now, he'll have to wait.
The 49ers made Willis the No. 11 overall draft pick in 2007, and he spent eight seasons with San Francisco before retiring after the 2014 season.
One NFL Media analyst wasn't just stunned that Willis wasn't a finalist, he was shocked the seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro wasn't part of the Class of 2020.
Adam Rank recently took a look at the potential Class of 2021, noting that Willis is a player he would put in, but who voters are likely to make wait.
"I was absolutely stunned that Willis wasn't part of the 2020 class," Adam Rank recently wrote. "I thought he was one of the few automatic selections. But apparently some Hall of Fame voters tend to favor longevity over guys who were dominant over a shorter period time. It's a reason why Terrell Davis had to wait several years before he rightfully got in. Willis was a five-time first-team All-Pro, and one-time second-team selection, during his eight-year career. He had few peers. But I really feel the voters are going to make him wait another year."
Willis compiled over 100 tackles in a season six times during his eight-year career, including the 174 that led the league during his rookie 2007 season and earned him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Willis went on to finish in the top seven in tackles four times during his career.