Breaking down top candidates for 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame class

Thursday night, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will announce its 2022 class. This year’s list of nominees includes three first-time nominees.

Five of the 15 modern-era finalists will be inducted this summer. The Hall of Fame will announce the class Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

Here’s a comprehensive list of who could hear their name called in Canton this year.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022: Modern-era nominees

• Jared Allen — DE

Allen played in the league from 2004-15 for the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers. He led the league in sacks twice — in 2007 and 2011 — and made four Pro Bowls during his career.

• Willie Anderson — OT

A longtime Cincinnati Bengal, Willie Anderson played in four Pro Bowls over his 12-year NFL career. He played in all 16 games eight times over his career and was an essential part of the Bengals’ offensive line over that time.

• Ronde Barber — DB

Ronde Barber played his entire NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1997-12 and helped lead them to a Super Bowl XXXVII title. He tied for the league lead in interceptions in 2001 and made five Pro Bowls. Barber was also named to the Tampa Bay Ring of Honor and the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team.

• Tony Boselli — OT

Tony Boselli played a majority of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars before finishing it out with the Houston Texans. His career was cut short due to injury, but he still made five Pro Bowls and led the Jaguars to two AFC titles.

• LeRoy Butler — S

An 11 year veteran of the Green Bay Packers, LeRoy Butler helped lead Green Bay to a Super bowl XXXI title. He made four Pro Bowls and is a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

• Devin Hester — WR/PR/KR

Devin Hester is widely considered the best returner in history, leading the NFL in punt returns three times and kick returns twice over his 10-year career. He also earned NFL All-Decade honors for the 2000s and 2010s.

• Torry Holt — WR

A seven-time Pro Bowler, Torry Holt retired ranked No. 10 on the NFL’s all-time receiving list. He was a key member of the St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” and led them to a Super Bowl XXXIV title.

• Andre Johnson — WR

Andre Johnson starred for the Houston Texans, making seven Pro Bowls during his time in Houston. He led the league in receptions and receiving yards twice during his career.

• Sam Mills — LB

After starting his career as a practice squad member for the Cleveland Browns and heading to the CFL, Sam Mills starred for the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. He made five Pro Bowls and totaled 1,300 tackles and 20.5 sacks during his career.

• Richard Seymour — E/DT

Richard Seymour made an immediate impact with the New England Patriots in 2001, helping lead New England to a Super Bowl victory while Tom Brady got it done on offense. He won three Super Bowls with New England and made five Pro Bowls before heading to Oakland to play for the Raiders in 2009.

• Zach Thomas — LB

During his 13-year career, Zach Thomas retired with 1,734 tackles for the Miami Dolphins. He made seven Pro Bowls, earned five All-Pro nominations and earned NFL All-2000s team recognition.

• DeMarcus Ware — OLB

DeMarcus Ware, another first-time nominee, led the NFL in sacks twice during his career with Dallas. He then played two years in Denver and helped the Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 title.

• Reggie Wayne — WR

Reggie Wayne starred alongside Marvin Harrison for the Indianapolis Colts from 2001-14. He had more than 1,000 receptions and 82 touchdowns during his career and won two Super Bowls with the Colts.

• Patrick Willis — LB

The 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Patrick Willis played in seven Pro Bowls during his eight-year career. He also anchored the San Francisco 49ers defense as they made it to the Super Bowl in 2012.

• Bryant Young — DT

During his 13-year career, Bryant Young made four Pro Bowls and ranks second in 49ers history with 89.5 sacks. He also helped San Francisco to a Super Bowl XXIX victory.

Other nominees

Senior nominee: Cliff Branch

Coach nominee: Dick Vermeil

Contributor nominee: Art McNally