Julius Peppers, Antonio Gates are no-doubt first-ballot Hall of Famers

The final voting stage for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2024 has been announced, and first-time candidates Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates are the headliners.

Frankly, both players should be shoo-ins.

Peppers was selected No. 2 overall in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. He notched 12 sacks in his rookie season and finished his 17-season career with 159.5. On the list of NFL all-time sack leaders, he's still No. 4 behind only Bruce Smith (200), Reggie White (198) and Kevin Greene (160).

Peppers played 10 seasons in Carolina, four with the Chicago Bears and three with the Green Bay Packers. Just as impressive is his sack total, he also notched 11 interceptions, including four taken back for touchdowns.

As dominant as Peppers was as a defender, Gates was as a tight end.

The San Diego Chargers took a shot on him as an undrafted free agent who played basketball, not football, in college. Gates paid off the Chargers' faith in him with 16 stellar NFL seasons — all with the organization. He was with the San Diego Chargers and followed them to Los Angeles, finishing his career in L.A.

An eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, Gates caught 955 passes for 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns in his career.

Other notable finalists include defensive end Dwight Freeney in his second year of Hall of Fame eligibility, wideout Andre Johnson in his third and wideout Torry Holt in his 10th.

The Hall of Fame selection committee may select up to five finalists for the 2024 class.