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See Who Else Could Be In Ray Lewis' 2018 Hall Of Fame Class
The Ravens linebacker is widely expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Who may join in him in Canton next year? There are seven other first-time candidates who could make a compelling case.
Lewis will go down as one of the game's biggest stars, and best defensive players, of all time. Thus, he's widely expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Well known for his leadership, fiery speeches and relentless play over 17 seasons, Lewis was voted to 13 Pro Bowls, named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice (2000, 2003) and became a two-time Super Bowl champion (XXXV, XLVII). He was the Super Bowl XXXV MVP and leader of arguably the best defense of all time.
Moss was the master of the deep ball, and when a Ravens defensive back gets beat deep, the team still refers to it as being "Randied." Over his 14-year career, Moss ranked second in receiving touchdowns (156) and third in receiving yards (15,292). He set the single-season touchdowns record in 2007 (23). However, wide receiver Terrell Owens, who ranks one spot ahead of Moss in receiving yards (15,934) and one spot behind in touchdowns (153), has been left out Canton the past two years.
For a while, there was a debate between who the better inside linebacker was between Lewis and Urlacher. Lewis' credentials eventually dwarfed Urlacher's, but the two players were both dominant in their time. Urlacher was an eight-time Pro Bowler who ranks in the top 10 in all-time tackles (1,229), and notched 41.5 sacks and 22 interceptions during his 13-year career. He did not win a Super Bowl, however. Having Lewis on the same ballot likely doesn't help Urlacher's chances of getting in on the first try.
Barber was a versatile ball hawk who was one of the best of his era. He is the only player in league history with 40 interceptions and 20 sacks, and led the NFL in picks in 2001 (10). The five-time Pro Bowler played for 16 years and won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Buccaneers.
Seymour didn't put up gaudy statistics (57.5 sacks and 496 tackles), but he was an integral part of the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowls during his eight years there. Seymour was a five-time Pro Bowler who was a consistent force during his 12 seasons in the NFL.
Birk was as solid as they come at center for 15 seasons. A sixth-round draft choice who wasn't as gifted an athlete as some of his peers, Birk excelled with his smarts and toughness. The six-time Pro Bowler started 187 games over his 15 years. He retired after winning Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens. Birk was also known for his work off the field, as he was named the NFL's 2011 Walter Payton Man of the Year.
Saturday will try to get in the same year as Birk, and has very similar credentials. Like Birk, Saturday was a six-time Pro Bowler who won one Super Bowl (XLI with the Colts). Saturday had the luxury of playing with one of the league's greatest quarterbacks in Peyton Manning.
Hutchinson was a seven-time Pro Bowler during his 12-year career. The 6-foot-5 giant played and started all 16 regular-season games from 2003 to 2009. He was one of the league's best interior linemen for more than a decade.
