The Pro Football Hall of Fame is set to welcome seven new players to its hallowed grounds in Canton this year. As we celebrate the achievements of the latest inductees, it's also time to look ahead and speculate on the potential candidates for the 2025 class. Among the notable players reaching eligibility for the first time are two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning and defensive stalwart Luke Kuechly.

The list of newly eligible players for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class is filled with impressive names. Joining Manning and Kuechly in their first year of eligibility are Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Antonio Gates, Rodney Harrison, Torry Holt, Fred Taylor, Reggie Wayne, and Darren Woodson.

Eli Manning's potential induction into the Hall of Fame sparks intense debate, given the unique circumstances of his career. Critics argue that much of the attention he received throughout his playing days was due to his last name and playing for the New York Giants, rather than his on-field performance. However, there is no denying Manning's historic accomplishments in two Super Bowl victories against the mighty New England Patriots.

Manning's heroics in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, where he outperformed Tom Brady and orchestrated crucial game-winning drives, cemented his place in football history. He ranks 10th in career passing yards with an impressive 57,023 and 10th in passing touchdowns with 366. Despite throwing 244 interceptions, Manning's legacy extends beyond numbers alone.

Though his postseason appearances were limited, with only three outside of his Super Bowl runs, Manning's impact on and off the field cannot be disregarded. His popularity, both in the media and the big-market atmosphere of New York, coupled with his Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award win, further enhances his chances of being a first-ballot Hall of Famer come 2025.

While Manning's potential induction may be controversial, there are several other deserving candidates who have yet to secure a spot in the Hall of Fame. Antonio Gates revolutionized the tight end position and Willie Anderson's exclusion is puzzling considering his contributions. However, the most glaring omission is wide receiver Torry Holt, who was instrumental in the St. Louis Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf" offensive juggernaut.

Holt's arrival in 1999 bolstered the Rams' offense, forming an unstoppable quartet with Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, and Kurt Warner. With Holt's consistent performances, he was a seven-time Pro Bowler and earned a first-team All-Pro selection in 2003. Leading the league in receiving yards twice, he proved to be a reliable target in crucial moments, making him a cornerstone of the Rams' success.

Although the later years of Holt's career saw the Rams' decline, his impact on the game cannot be undermined. His ranking of 17th in all-time receiving yards with 13,382 and 23rd in receptions with 920 solidifies his place among the league's elite. Holt's role in shaping the pass-oriented NFL of today, alongside his former teammates who have already been honored, further strengthens his case for induction.

With no significant wide receivers becoming eligible in 2025, it's high time for Torry Holt to finally don the coveted gold jacket that has eluded him for far too long. As we celebrate this year's inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the anticipation for the potential 2025 class grows, with Manning and Holt standing out as two players who have left an indelible mark on the game.