NFL Nation: Hall of Fame monitor
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Our bloggers examine the Hall of Fame worthiness of players in this week's divisional round:
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| Tomlinson |
LaDainian Tomlinson, running back
Body of work: Tomlinson, who may not play Sunday against Pittsburgh because of a serious groin injury, will go down as one of the best running backs ever to play in the NFL. If Tomlinson, 29, were to retire now, he'd still be considered an all-time great after eight spectacular seasons. He has the second most rushing touchdowns in NFL history and owns the single-season record for scores. His 1,110 rushing yards this season is his lowest season total in his career. Tomlinson is also known for his character off the field and he is one of the league's most marketable stars.
Unfinished business: Not much. Tomlinson's Hall of Fame résumé is secure. It's a closed case.
Projected chance: Get the bronze ready.
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| Gates |
Antonio Gates, tight end
Body of work: Gates has made the Pro Bowl five times. He has become one of the best players at his position after not playing college football. He became the fastest tight end in NFL history to catch 50 touchdown passes. He holds the single-season touchdown receiving record for tight ends.
Unfinished business: He needs to play several more years. Gates, 28, has played six seasons. He needs to play at least six more seasons and he needs to stay very productive. It is difficult for tight ends to make it into the Hall of Fame. If Gates' numbers are in the Tony Gonzalez range, he should get in. But he has a lot of work to do.
Projected chance: Long shot.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
Our bloggers examine the Hall of Fame worthiness of players in this week's divisional round:
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| Mannin |
Eli Manning, quarterback
Body of work: It's amazing what four games and an MVP can do for your career. Manning was pretty average during the regular season in 2007, but he caught fire at the right time. Now his last name is not the only reason he is linked to NFL royalty. If he can lead the Giants to another world title, we can fire up the Big Bro vs. Little Bro debates again. He's become an excellent leader and his focus on eliminating mistakes is a big part of why the Giants tied with the Dolphins for the fewest number of turnovers this season.
The teams that turn the ball over the most (Cowboys) don't end up in the playoffs. Manning also cut his sack totals way down. His line should receive a lot of the credit, but he's also doing a much better job of sliding out of trouble. He took only 13 sacks this season, which is a superb number. Other than his rookie season (2004), he's always done a pretty good job with touchdown-to-interception ratio. This guy could be heading to the Hall.
Unfinished business: A few more Super Bowls would help. And it wouldn't hurt for him to collect an MVP or two. His brother is really hogging those. But I think both brothers will eventually be in the Hall. Winning a title without Plaxico Burress would be huge for Eli.
Projected chance: He's headed that way.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
Our bloggers examine the Hall of Fame worthiness of players in this week's divisional round:
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| Dawkins |
Body of work: Now in his 13th season, Dawkins has been the heart and soul of this defense for a long time. He's one of the most beloved local players from the past 20 years and he's certainly worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. The problem for Dawkins is that the Hall doesn't seem to appreciate safeties. They just rarely get voted in, so Dawkins will have to wait in line. When guys like Cliff Harris (I know, I know) aren't in, it will be tough for Dawkins. His 34 interceptions won't blow anyone away, but it's his punishing style that has defined his career. He appeared to be fading fast early this season, but he's finished strong and was named NFC defensive player of the month. You hope he gets to finish his career in Philly, but that's up in the air right now.
Unfinished business: Winning a Super Bowl would be very helpful. He was a key member of those teams that kept advancing to the NFC title game earlier this decade. And he was there for the Super Bowl appearance.
Projected chance: Long shot.
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| McNabb |
Body of work: He took the Eagles to four consecutive NFC Championship Games at the start of this decade and to the Super Bowl in 2004. For reasons we don't have time to explain here, he's never been fully embraced by the city. But his numbers speak for themselves. He's thrown for nearly 30,000 yards and he has a 194-to-90 touchdown to interception ratio. Unfortunately, his public breakup with wide receiver Terrell Owens has overshadowed some of his tremendous accomplishments. If his career ended today, I don't think he'd be in the Hall.
Unfinished business: If he could win a Super Bowl with the Eagles (maybe even this season), it would do a lot for his candidacy. In fact, leading his team to a Super Bowl might do the trick.
Projected chance: Outside chance.
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| Westbrook |
Body of Work: At age 29, he's had two brilliant seasons (2006-07). He became an All-Pro in 2007, but this season he's been limited because of knee and ankle injuries. He just signed a lucrative extension, so we'll see how things go over the next three or four years. I'd be a little worried about these recurring knee issues. Westbrook's the best player on his team, but I'm not sure he's a legitimate Hall of Fame contender at this point.
Unfinished business: A Super Bowl MVP would obviously help his cause, but I'm afraid the slow start to his career might hold him back. He's a tremendous player when he's healthy. But he needs to have a couple more seasons like 2007 before we get serious about the Hall.
Projected chance: Long shot.
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
Our bloggers examine the Hall of Fame worthiness of players in this week's divisional round:
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| Ward |
Hines Ward, wide receiver
Body of work: Ward could be an extremely challenging case for the Hall of Fame committee. He has plenty of hardware, including four Pro Bowls a Super Bowl ring and Super Bowl MVP. But Ward played his entire career with a run-oriented team, so his numbers will not stand up to other elite receivers of his era such as Randy Moss, Terrell Owens and Marvin Harrison. Yet Ward will go down as perhaps the toughest and most devastating blocker at his position in NFL history. The hardcore football voters will consider Ward's total package, while the number crunchers may shy away.
Unfinished business: Without superior statistics, Ward could help his case with another Super Bowl title. He already has longevity going for him with 11 years in the league, and his consistency throughout his career will be a big plus. Ward is expected to put up solid numbers for several more seasons, so expect that also to sway some of the swing voters who may currently have doubts.
Projected chance: Yes, but close |
| Polamalu |
Body of work: Polamalu has already done a lot in six seasons. He won a Super Bowl his third year in the league and has five Pro Bowls and 17 career interceptions. Although Polamalu is just now reaching the prime of his career, he already is one of the league's most versatile and unique players. A strong second half of his career to match the first half should land him in Canton.
Unfinished business: Polamalu already has a ring, but it would behoove him to get one as the unquestioned leader and focal point of the Steelers' defense, which he currently is at this point. His hard-nosed style of play also lends itself to injuries, so it will be important for him to avoid the injury bug. Polamalu has missed eight regular-season games the past three seasons.
Projected chance: Looking good
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
Our bloggers examine the Hall of Fame worthiness of players in this week's divisional round:
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| Lewis |
Ray Lewis, linebacker
Body of work: Lewis is widely considered the most dominant linebacker of his generation. He has a Super Bowl ring, a Super Bowl MVP, 10 Pro Bowls and countless franchise records. Even at the age of 33, Lewis is still playing at a Pro Bowl level and shows little signs of slowing down. He says he wants to play 3-4 more seasons before he retires and Canton undoubtedly will be waiting his arrival.
Unfinished business: None. Lewis has nothing else to prove. He is playing simply for the love of the game and pursuit of another championship. Lewis, who is a free agent, may get it if he continues to stick around the fast-rising Ravens.
Projected chance: Lock
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| Reed |
Ed Reed, safety
Body of work: Despite just spending seven seasons in the league, Reed, 30, is one of the youngest players currently on very solid footing for the Hall of Fame. He is a five-time Pro Bowler who is well ahead of the curve with his contemporaries in terms of career interceptions (43 in regular season). And Reed's ability to score defensive touchdowns (12) sets him apart from a majority of safeties already inducted. He has an astounding 1,144 return yards off interceptions for his career.
Unfinished business: One Super Bowl would seal it. Reed joined the Ravens in 2002, so he missed the team's title run by a couple of seasons. But if Reed gets a ring to go with his Pro Bowl honors, defensive MVP award (2004) and gaudy statistics, he's in. Perhaps his biggest challenge at this point is competing against the all-time greats and making his case to be the greatest free safety ever.
Projected chance: Looking good
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
Our bloggers examine the Hall of Fame worthiness of players in this week's divisional round:
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| Mawae |
Kevin Mawae, center
Body of work: In four seasons with Seattle, eight with the New York Jets and three with Tennessee, Mawae has been elected to seven Pro Bowls, including five in a row from 2000-04. He's protected quarterbacks including Warren Moon, Vinny Testaverde, Chad Pennington, Vince Young and Kerry Collins while blocking for running backs including Curtis Martin and Travis Henry. His 225 regular-season games ranks as the most by an active offensive lineman. He's regarded as crafty, smart and technically sound and has drawn praise from teammates and criticism from opponents for his physical edge.
Unfinished business: Another few years of high level play and a couple more Pro Bowls would certainly boost his candidacy. Dermontti Dawson, a Pittsburgh Steelers center from 1988-2000, was a seven-time Pro Bowler and is a first-time Hall of Fame finalist this year.
Projected chance: Won't be easy.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Our bloggers examine the Hall of Fame worthiness of players in this week's divisional round:
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| Warner |
Kurt Warner, quarterback
Body of work: The two-time league MVP and one-time Super Bowl MVP has led two long-suffering franchises to playoff success. Can the history of the NFL be told without mentioning Kurt Warner and the Greatest Show on Turf? Probably not, and that could help Warner's case. Selectors will also ask whether Warner played well enough, long enough. But with another strong season, Warner's numbers will line up nicely with those of Hall of Famer Steve Young. Both spent parts of their primes on the sideline. Both won a Super Bowl when given a chance to start, and only Warner made it back. Warner has the second-highest completion percentage in NFL history and the third-highest passer rating. He is one of four players in NFL history to lead the league in passing yards for three consecutive seasons. The other three -- Sid Luckman, Young and Bart Starr -- are Hall of Famers.
Unfinished business: Remaining the starter in Arizona and helping the Cardinals build on their recent success might put Warner over the top. Beating the Falcons in the wild-card round certainly helped. Making it to the Super Bowl this season might be enough.
Projected chance: Improving
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| Fitzgerald |
Body of work: Fitzgerald recently became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 400 receptions. He's averaging about nine touchdowns per season. Fitzgerald's appeal goes far beyond the numbers. He routinely makes spectacular catches. He'll be remembered for the way he caught the ball, not just the number of balls he caught.
Unfinished business: At age 25, Fitzgerald has plenty of time to put up Hall of Fame numbers. His size and reliance on skills beyond pure speed should help him produce for the long haul. At his current pace, Fitzgerald would finish a 12-year NFL career with more than 1,000 receptions for more than 14,000 yards and more than 100 touchdowns. He would be 32 years old after 12 seasons, probably young enough to continue playing if he chose.
Projected chance: Looking good
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| Boldin |
Body of work: Boldin reached 500 receptions in fewer games (80) than any receiver in NFL history. He also picked up his scoring pace this season with 11 touchdowns in 12 games. He leads the Cardinals in career 100-yard receiving games with 24. Boldin will be remembered as one of the toughest and most physical receivers in the NFL. He's a ferocious blocker with the size and style to mimic a running back once the ball is in his hands.
Unfinished business: As with Fitzgerald, Boldin's reliance on skills other than pure speed should help him extend his career. But the 28-year-old Boldin is three years older than Fitzgerald and he has had a harder time staying healthy. Boldin has asked for a trade, expressing dissatisfaction with his contract. Perhaps his Hall of Fame chances would improve if he became the clear No. 1 option elsewhere (although John Stallworth and Lynn Swann earned enshrinement after playing alongside one another).
Projected chance: Check back in 5 years
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| James |
Body of work: Only six players in NFL history have more 100-yard games. All but Jerome Bettis are in the Hall of Fame. James ranks 11th on the all-time rushing yardage list. Another 1,542 yards would move him into the top five, trailing only Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders and Curtis Martin. James has also shown very good durability.
Unfinished business: James appears in good position to move into the top five on the NFL rushing list. His late-season resurgence with the Cardinals is helping. If James could help the Cardinals reach a Super Bowl, his chances would improve. James isn't a particularly dynamic runner, however, and his lack of big-play ability could affect his chances.
Projected chance: Outside shot
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
Our bloggers examine the Hall of Fame worthiness of players in this week's divisional round:
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| Smith |
Steve Smith, wide receiver
Body of work: Easily the most explosive and exciting player in the history of a young franchise that doesn't yet have a Hall of Famer. Smith has had four straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Originally drafted to be just a return man and thought to be too small to be a starting receiver, Smith has made himself into one of the league's best. His appearance is deceiving because he's more than a deep threat. He'll catch the ball over the middle and gains a ton of yards after the catch. Already has 509 catches for 7,348 yards and 43 touchdowns.
Unfinished business: Smith will turn 30 before next season and he's going to have to keep piling up numbers like he had this year to have a strong shot. It's getting harder and harder for receivers to make the Hall of Fame, and Smith probably needs about five more 1,000-yard seasons. Oh, a Super Bowl victory or two would help a lot. Smith also needs to avoid the controversies that have plagued his career. He twice has been suspended for beating up teammates.
Projected chance: Outside shot
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| Peppers |
Julius Peppers, defensive end
Body of work: On pure athletic ability, Peppers would be a sure-fire Hall of Famer. The guy is as good an athlete as anyone who ever has played the game. At times, he's backed that up. He's got 70.5 sacks and his arrival was an instrumental force in turning around a dismal franchise. Peppers has been a dominant pass-rusher at times, but also has shown the ability to drop into coverage. If every season had been like this (14.5 sacks), Peppers already would be on his way to Canton.
Unfinished business: The problem is Peppers hasn't always been consistent. He had just 2.5 sacks in all of the 2007 season, while insisting he wasn't healthy. To have any shot at the Hall of Fame, Peppers needs to take this season and build on it. Peppers is about to turn 29 and needs four or five more seasons of mid-to-double-digit sacks.
Projected chance: Long shot
