Trio of Broncos safeties, linebacker among Hall of Fame semifinalists

Earlier this year, the Terrell Davis joined a growing list of Denver Broncos lining the walls of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and four more will have their shot at induction in a few months.

Safeties Steve Atwater, Brian Dawkins and John Lynch, along with linebacker Karl Mecklenburg, were among the 27 modern-era players to make the semifinal cut for enshrinement.

All four earned semifinalist recognition in 2016 as well, though only Lynch and Dawkins made the finalist cut.

It’s the seventh time on the semifinalist list for both Atwater and Mecklenburg, sixth for Lynch, and second for Dawkins.

Two other former Broncos — Ty Law and Simeon Rice — grace the list as well, though each only played one season in Denver (2009 and 2007 respectively)

First-year players to earn semifinalist status include defensive back Ronde Barber, guard Steve Hutchinson, linebacker Ray Lewis, wide receiver Randy Moss, defensive lineman Richard Seymour, and linebacker Brian Urlacher.

The four crushing Broncos defenders, along with the remaining 23 semifinalists, will find out if they make the final list of candidates in January, and the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be announced on Feb.4, on the eve of Super Bowl LII.

Here’s the full list of semifinalists:

Former Broncos (tenure longer than one season)

• Steve Atwater, safety

• Brian Dawkins, safety

• John Lynch, safety

• Karl Mecklenburg, linebacker

Remaining semifinalists

• Ronde Barber, defensive back

• Tony Boselli, offensive tackle

• Isaac Bruce, wide receiver

• LeRoy Butler, safety

• Don Coryell, coach

• Roger Craig, running back

• Alan Faneca, guard

• Torry Holt, wide receiver

• Steve Hutchinson, guard

• Joe Jacoby, offensive tackle

• Edgerrin James, running back

• Jimmy Johnson, coach

• Ty Law, cornerback

• Ray Lewis, linebacker

• Kevin Mawae, offensive lineman

• Randy Moss, wide receiver

• Leslie O’Neal, defensive end

• Terrell Owens, wide receiver

• Simeon Rice, defensive end

• Richard Seymour, defensive lineman

• Brian Urlacher, linebacker

• Everson Walls, cornerback

• Hines Ward, wide receiver

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.