Out of the 15 Modern Era Finalists for the NFL Hall of Fame, three played in Denver. Terrell Davis, Steve Atwater, and John Lynch all hope to receive a gold jacket and make their mark on history, by being apart of the 2016 class.

Looking back at the careers of these three football icons, you could make a legitimate case that all three deserve a spot in Canton. As the ceremony approaches, (Sat. Feb. 6), let’s look back at the careers of these former superstars, and their case for Canton.

Terrell Davis:

Although T.D. played just 78 regular season games in his career, for four straight seasons, Davis was the best player in the league. From 1995-98, T.D. rushed for over 1,500 yards in three of four seasons, including 2,008 yards in 1998.

Davis’ average of 97.5 rushing yards per game is the third-highest in NFL history among players that played at least 75 games, and his ability run in Gary Kubiak’s offense propelled the Broncos to one of the most consistent running games in the league.

In the Playoffs, Davis was even more impressive. In the Broncos two Super Bowl runs of 97-98, Davis put on arguably the greatest playoff performances in league history. In those two postseasons, the Broncos played in 7 total playoff games in which Davis rushed for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Without Davis, the Broncos and an aging Elway would have not won back-to-back championships. There’s no doubt in my mind about that. What has always hurt Davis with Hall of Fame consideration is his short career.

However, there are six running backs with shorter careers than T.D. in the Hall of Fame. None of them performed in the playoffs like Davis. The only running backs in NFL history to rush for over 100 yards per-game counting both the regular and postseason are Jim Brown and Terrell Davis.

The Hall of Fame should have the players that truly influenced the game during their career. Terrell Davis was the best running back in the NFL for nearly five straight years, winning a league MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and two AP Offensive Player of the Year Awards.

To this day, there has not been a running back that dominated the playoffs like T.D. With Jerome Bettis apart of the 2015 class, Davis has a better chance to go in 2016.

John Lynch:

One of the hardest hitting safeties in the league, Lynch terrorized opposing receivers in his 15-year career. In 224 games, Lynch recorded a combined 1,277 tackles, 26 interceptions, and 16 forced fumbles.

For 11 years, Lynch was apart of one of the best defenses in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Former teammates Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks, both of which were apart of the team’s Super Bowl XXXVI Championship with Lynch, are already in the Hall of Fame.

Lynch was known for his quick reactions and instinctive skills while the ball was in the air. Over the years, Lynch put massive hits on anybody that dared to cross his side of the field. Lynch was truly a warrior on the field, and was a must-see player on a weekly basis.

Safeties traditionally have a tough time making it into Canton, but Lynch was one of the best and most consistent defensive players for over a decade. Lynch’s reliability and pure dominance gives him a really good shot at making it into Canton.

Lynch went to nine Pro Bowls in his career, the highest total of any eligible defensive back.

Although he retired more recently than Steve Atwater, Lynch has a better chance at going into Canton this year. The committee is not likely going to vote two safeties in the same year, so if Lynch does go in, Atwater may receive the short end of the stick.

Steve Atwater:

At 6-3 and 217 pounds, Atwater was one of the biggest and most intimidating safeties in NFL history. Most guys with that stature would play linebacker or defensive end, but Atwater had the speed to roam the secondary and make opposing receivers think twice about catching a pass near him.

Like Lynch, Atwater was one of the hardest hitting players in the league and consistently performed at an extremely high level. Atwater was a member of the 1990’s All-Decade team, and an eight-time Pro Bowler.

Over his career with Denver, Atwater started 166 regular and postseason games; Atwater finished his career starting 12 games for the New York Jets in 1999. Over ten years, Atwater recorded a combined 519 tackles, 24 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries.

Atwater was known for making the big play, and Denver fans will always remember hit for his big hits, like in 1990 against Christian Okoye.

Over his career, Atwater was one of the best defenders in the league, and revolutionized the way the position was played. Atwater was a major part of three Super Bowl runs for the Broncos, and one of the most exciting defensive players of the generation. There are not a lot of safeties in Canton, but Atwater deserves a gold jacket.

It may not come in 2016, especially if Lynch goes in this year, but it would be surprising if he does find his way into Canton in the coming years.