Leading the group of candidates in their first year of eligibility were Manning, Kuechly, Suggs and postseason kicking hero Adam Vinatieri. The others were two key members of Seattle's Super Bowl-winning team in the 2013 season in running back Marshawn Lynch and safety Earl Thomas; two-time All-Pro guard Marshal Yanda; and longtime San Francisco left tackle Joe Staley. Kuechly and Suggs were among the top defensive players of their era with Kuechly selected as the top defensive player in 2013 and Suggs in 2011. Kuechly's career was brief but impactful. The first-round pick by Carolina in 2012 was an All-Pro five times in his eight-year career with seven Pro Bowl nods and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Over his eight-year career, Kuechly led all linebackers in the NFL in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), interceptions (18) and passes defensed (66). ESPN.comEli, Suggs, Kuechly, Gates advance in Hall votingTwo-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, former Defensive Players of the Year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, and prolific tight end Antonio Gates are among the players who advanced to the next stage i...