7 Pro Football Hall of Famers who could have been Philadelphia Eagles

Mike Singletary (Class of 1998) and Howie Long (Class of 2000)

Yes, we took it there, Long before Chris Long helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the first Vince Lombardi Trophy in this franchise's history, his father, Howie Long, played the game for 13 seasons as a member of the Oakland/L.A. Raiders. Perhaps you have heard of him? We hear he was pretty good.

The 1981 NFL Draft was one to remember if you're a fan of other teams. Lawrence Taylor, Ronnie Lott, and Kenney Easley began their NFL careers. Believe it or not, Dexter Manley was a fifth-round selection.

The Birds drafted Leonard Mitchell in Round 1 with the 27th overall selection. He was with the team for six seasons, but Philly ignored Mike Singletary by taking him. The Chicago Bears added him 11 picks later in Round 2 at the 38th-overall selection. Wide receiver Cris Collinsworth, aforementioned Howie Long, and linebacker Rickey Jackson were taken after Mitchell as well.

The Eagles added ten prospects to their team during that selection meeting: Guard Dean Miraldi was added in Round 2 at the 55th selection. They also added tight end Greg LaFleur, running back Calvin Murray, kicker Alan Duncan, linebacker Doak Field, offensive lineman Chuck Commiskey, running back Hubert Oliver, defensive tackle Gail Davis, and defensive back Ray Ellis.

There were 12 rounds in the draft back in those days. Philly traded the 165th selection in Round 6 to the New York Giants. They dealt the 220th selection in Round 8 to the Baltimore Colts. We wish we could travel back in time, ignore Mitchell in Round 1, and package a few of these picks to trade up in a couple of rounds if need be. We'd certainly have Singletary, Long, or both as members of this team, but as we said earlier, hindsight is always viewed in 20/20 vision.

Check out the Eagles stories as well.