Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith, defensive lineman Neil Smith, safety Steve Atwater, kicker Jason Elam and safety John Lynch are among 122 modern-era nominees for the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
Former running back Clinton Portis and defensive lineman Chester McGlockton — who both had brief stints in Denver — were also nominated.
The list of Broncos players among senior candidates includes linebackers Karl Mecklenburg and Randy Gradishar and defensive backs Louis Wright and Dennis Smith. Senior nominees will be announced at a later date.
The league will have an expanded class of 20 members next year — five modern-era candidates, 10 senior candidates, three contributors and two coaches. The expanded class will help the chances of former Denver players hoping to get into Canton.
The nominees for the 2020 class will be trimmed down to 25 semifinalists in November and to 15 finalists in January. The selection committee will finalize a class on the eve of Super Bowl LIV in Miami Gardens, Florida.
