Sometimes it's not the length of your career that counts, but how prolific you were.
Claude Humphrey played a decade with the Falcons and three seasons with the Eagles, which may blunt his candidacy for a handful of you. It shouldn't. The third overall pick in 1968 played in days before stats were tracked in a meaningful way, but he's widely believed to have finished his career at about 122 sacks, including 11.5 as a rookie.
Simply put, Humphrey was one of the best players ever to don a Falcons uniform. He was freakishly athletic for his era and simply overpowered those hapless offensive linemen who stood in his way. For his career, Humphrey was all NFL close to ten times and made six Pro Bowls.
Frankly, I wish we could get in a time machine and draft the guy again for the current team.
Humphrey has flirted with a Hall of Fame bid in the past, but the guy can't seem to get the recognition he so richly deserves. He's an easy Hall of Famer in my book, and it pains me to think that the ineptitude of the Falcons as a whole has kept so many great players from receiving their due from the league.
His legendary career gets Humphrey the second spot on our august rankings, a spot he richly deserves. Our top pick lands Monday night, so be sure to check that out.
In the meantime, talk about Humphrey and hit the jump for our sponsored message.
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