Some of the best players in NFL history were recently inducted into the Hall of Fame this month, but just because the busts are practically still drying doesn't mean it's too soon to predict the 2019 Hall of Fame class.
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Here are four likely candidates along with a wide receiver that has paid his due for too long and may finally get in.
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Tony Gonzalez, TE, Chiefs/Falcons (1997-2013)
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AP Photo/John Bazemore[/credit]
Key Stats: Career 1,325 receptions, 15,127 receiving yards, 111 touchdowns
Talk about the definition of a shoo-in. Gonzalez was easily the greatest tight end of his generation and, with apologies to John Mackey and Kellen Winslow, probably the best in league history.
Along with his gaudy stats, the former Chiefs and Falcons pass-catcher finished his career with 14 Pro Bowl appearances, 6 First-Team All-Pro honors, and recognition as a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
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Ed Reed, S, Ravens/Texans/Jets (2002-2013)
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AP Photo/Evan Vucci[/credit]
Key Stats: 531 tackles, 64 interceptions, 113 pass deflections
The no. 23 selection in the 2002 NFL Draft was a 9-time Pro Bowler, 5-time First-Team All-Pro, Super Bowl XLVII champion, and the best player at the safety position during the prime of his career.
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Tony Boselli, OT, Jaguars/Texas (1995-2002)
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Tom DiPace/Associated Press[/credit]
Key Stats: 5x Pro Bowl selection, Offensive Lineman of the Year (1998), Drafted No. 2 overall in 1995
Expect Boselli to be the first ever Jacksonville Jaguars player to join the Hall of Fame. The only other team without representation in Canton, the Houston Texas, is the team for whom Boselli played for during his final year in the league.
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Champ Bailey, CB, Redskins/Broncos (1999-2013)
Key Stats: 52 interceptions, 4 touchdowns, 812 tackles
Bailey was a magician at the cornerback position for an astounding 15 years and 215 games played. His best season came in 2006 with the Broncos when he intercepted ten passes and a score, which followed his 2005 performance of eight interceptions and two touchdowns.
Bailey's dominance is even more incredible when factoring in that QBs often failed to throw his way due to his dominance.
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Drew Pearson, WR, Dallas (1973-1983)
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AP Photos[/credit]
Key Stats: 489 catches, 7,822 yards, 48 touchdowns
Expect Pearson to get a serious look as a senior inductee. It's almost incredible he's made it this far considering he's the only skill-position player from the All-Decade team from the '30s to the '90s to receive zero love from the HOF committee.
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