I think Eli had a HOF career, even if he never had elite production or was ever an elite player.

The Hall isn't about showcasing elite players. It's a Hall of FAME.
Eli was pretty famous for his NFL career. Even if it was mostly just two seasons/two super bowls.

His 16 year career (the end of which was severely screwed with by coaching decisions, mainly McAdoo) was an Iron Man career. He exuded excellence as a person off the field and in the locker room. His play on the field was pretty much always good and had spots of greatness here and there.

Was he ever a top 5 QB? Nah... but as I said above... I don't think the Hall is full of ELITE only talents. Especially when you start arguing stats... there are plenty of QBs with meh type stats (I know, I know, different era) but still....Eli led teams that took down the big bad Patriots of the 2000s.
And while much of that had to do with stellar defensive play... he played his part and he played it well.

You can argue til you're blue in the face about whether his career was Hall worthy... but there's no question in my mind that it warrants a spot. Probably not first ballot. But he'll get in. And he earned it.
Football is a team game. So wins and losses. TDs... Sacks... all these stats are all intertwined with who you have around you and who you play against. Just step back and look at the career and realize, while not perfect or anywhere near it, it surely is worthy of a spot in Canton.

---