2018 NFL Season: Hall of Fame Locks, Hopefuls and Mirages
By Erik Lambert
HOPEFULS (They’re close and need a little more)
Philip Rivers
Dan Fouts was able to get in without a ring, so why not him? Mostly because he’s thrived in an age that’s far more QB-friendly than Fouts’ era. Even a deep playoff run could be a huge help.
Matt Ryan
The MVP run in 2016 really helped the conversation for him, though that Super Bowl loss was cringe-worthy. Year by year he’s compiled a growing list of accomplishments. That must continue.
Russell Wilson
He’s got the ring out of the way, now he must focus on building up those stats. His passing has steadily improved and he’s put the team on his back like a true top QB should in recent years.
LeSean McCoy
People would never have expected it but he’s already over 10,000 yards rushing at 29-years old. A ring seems unlikely though, so he’ll need 2-3 more strong years of production to have a shot.
Marshawn Lynch
“Beast Mode” was so much fun during his Seattle run but his four-year reign of dominance feels a bit short. Can he produce one more trademark season to ride off into the sunset?
Antonio Brown
The past five seasons alone could match any Hall of Fame receiver in history but even then it’s not enough. This must be sustained for a few more years. That or win a Super Bowl.
Julio Jones
He’s so close. Like Brown, he’s on the cusp of grabbing that gold jacket but the stats aren’t there yet. The 10,000-yard mark remains to be reached and he’s still ringless as well.
Rob Gronkowski
Tight ends don’t usually instill fear in defenses like other positions but he is a rare exception. His numbers are solid and he’s got jewelry but the constant injury setbacks leave him short for now.
Tyron Smith
It’s a question of whether he can stay healthy. With Joe Thomas gone, he’s now the best left tackle in football. He plays for a premier franchise. If that can be sustained for a little longer he’ll get in.
Joe Staley
Remember him? Despite his team falling into the cellar, he’s continued to excel as one of the better left tackles in the league. Now the offense is resurging. He’s got six Pro Bowls. Hmmm.
Maurkice Pouncey
Injury hiccups aside, he’s in the conversation for best center in the NFL over the past seven years. If only he had a ring. That is a big stain left on an otherwise stellar blocking career in Pittsburgh.
J.J. Watt
Only man with two seasons of 20+ sacks. Only man with three Defensive Player of the Year awards. If not for this back problem, he might already be in. He just needs a few more sacks.
Cameron Wake
Three years ago people would’ve laughed at this possibility. They can’t laugh anymore. He’s 92 sacks in his career with 22 over the past two seasons. Amazing for a guy in his mid-30s.
Calais Campbell
A pillar of every defense he’s played on. People thought he was done in 2016. Then he had 22.5 sacks the past two years and led Jacksonville to an AFC championship. He needs a ring.
Aaron Donald
It’s still early for him but there’s no doubting he’s the best interior pass rusher of this era. Just 26-years old and already has 39 sacks and a Defensive Player of the Year. If this pace holds, he’s in.
Fletcher Cox
Jim Schwartz arriving in Philadelphia unleashed the beast. He’s now one of the best all-around defensive linemen in football and has his ring. It’s the 34 sacks holding him back. He needs more.
Luke Kuechly
He inherited the mantle of best middle linebacker in football after Brian Urlacher left. The concussion issues have slowed him but his impact remains strong and is only 27.
Bobby Wagner
One could argue he’s closer than Kuechly. He’s almost identical in terms of production and has a Super Bowl ring to his credit. The problem is he plays on a team loaded with stars.
Richard Sherman
He was the most dominant corner on the field for a good four-year stretch and has one of the signature plays in NFL history that led his team to a Super Bowl. Yet his reign feels too short.
Patrick Peterson
The opposite is the case here. He has enjoyed a long, productive run in Arizona with 7 Pro Bowls and good stats. Even so, he has no ring and no true memorable moments.
Earl Thomas
The NFL hasn’t had a truly great safety is Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu retired. He’s the closest thing to it. The 25 interceptions are solid and he’s got a long reel of amazing highlights.