Generally the difference between a HOF running back and simply a very good running back is what they do after they turn 30. Guys who can remain a elite or close to it after turning 30 get into the HOF. So, in terms of HOF entrance, Forte's next 4 years are his most important.
Every running back (E. Smith, Payton, Faulk, Sanders, M. Allen, C. Martin, T. Thomas, Dorsett) with more than 16,000 total yards is in the Hall except LaDainian Tomlinson, who I think becomes eligible next year and should be a complete shoe-in in the first few years of his eligibility.
Forte is a little less than 3,300 yards away from that 16,000 yard mark. He certainly could do it with 3 more decent years. However, running backs do have a tendency to fall off a cliff after they turn 30, and Forte turned 30 on December 10.
Every running back (E. Smith, Payton, Faulk, Sanders, M. Allen, C. Martin, T. Thomas, Dorsett) with more than 16,000 total yards is in the Hall except LaDainian Tomlinson, who I think becomes eligible next year and should be a complete shoe-in in the first few years of his eligibility.
Forte is a little less than 3,300 yards away from that 16,000 yard mark. He certainly could do it with 3 more decent years. However, running backs do have a tendency to fall off a cliff after they turn 30, and Forte turned 30 on December 10.