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Crystal Ball - FUTURE HALL OF FAME CLASSES

Part II
Posted On: 8/5/06
Written By:  
Dev Panchwagh
FUTURE HALL OF FAME CLASSES
Every year at this time, a new class of NFL Hall of Famers is enshrined in Canton, Ohio. This year’s illustrious group includes Troy Aikman, John Madden, Harry Carson, Warren Moon, Rayfield Wright and the late Reggie White. When a new class is inducted, debates naturally arise about which players deserve consideration in the future. Out of the current players in the NFL, which players will get the chance to except their place among the greatest players to have ever played the game?
 
Last week we considered the positions of quarterback, running back and wide receiver.  In this edition of Crystal Ball, we will look at the remaining offensive positions.  Without further ado, here is the sure fire Hall of Famers by position:
 
(Note: This is not based on a first ballot criterion. Also, the players who are chosen would make the Pro Football Hall of Fame if they ended their careers today).
 
Tight End
 
Tony Gonzalez (Kansas City Chiefs 1997-present): The former basketball player who like Kyle Boller was once a California Golden Bear is a player who has reshaped the role of a pass-catching tight end during the last ten years. Gonazalez is a fluid router runner and able run-blocker. He can line up wide or in the slot, and is an almost impossible cover for a linebacker or safety. In 2004, Gonzalez set a record by catching over 100 passes, the most by any tight-end during a single season. He is also the only tight-end in history with 4 consecutive games with over 100 yards receiving.
 
Center
 
Kevin Mawae (Seattle Seahawks 1994-1997, New York Jets 1998-2005, Tennessee Titans 2006-present): Playing at a pivotal position, Mawae anchored and controlled the middle of the line for the Jets. In terms of understanding blitz pickup and switching protection schemes, Mawae consistently made the right adjustments before he snapped the ball. He is also a natural leader. Although Mawae lacked great bulk and strength, he was agile, and used his quickness to get into space on pulls and traps. Mawae dominated because he played with perfect technique and rarely lost his balance. In 12 seasons Mawae has gone to six Pro Bowls. He also played in 177 straight games before suffering a triceps injury last season which ended his year. Even in the twilight of his career, Mawae is still considered among the top centers in the game.
 
Guard
 
Will Shields (Kansas City Chiefs 1993-present): Shields is among the very best players to ever play at the guard position. The former offensive tackle from Oklahoma has the rare combination of strength, size, intellengence and quickness. He has paved the way for some dynamic offenses, especially in recent years, when Kansas City has been a top five rush offense for five straight seasons. Shields is perhaps the best pass-blocker to play the guard position. This will be Sheilds’ last season with the Chiefs. He will leave the game as a 10-time Pro Bowl performer and one of the most durable starters in the NFL.
 
Larry Allen (Dallas Cowboys 1994-2005, San Francisco 49ers 2006-present): Allen is one of the most physically dominant and powerful offensive lineman of all-time. At 340-pounds, Allen has bench pressed 700 pounds, which is the most weight that any player has cleared. While Allen is undoubtedly a powerhouse, he also possesses quick feet and excellent footwork enabling him to handle any pass-blocking responsbility. Allen will be remembered for being the ultimate power blocker at guard. He is also a great short-area blocker who is capable of pushing the pile in crucial conversion situations. Allen not only flourished at guard, but he also made the Pro Bowl as an offensive tackle. He is one of three players in NFL history to garner Pro Bowl honors at three positions: right guard, left guard and left tackle. Like Shields, Allen has been selected to 10 Pro Bowls. He was also named to the 1990s All-Decade team.
 
Offensive Tackle
 
Willie Roaf (New Orleans Saints 1993-2001, Kansas City Chiefs 2002-2005): Roaf was supposed to play in his final season of his career, but he abruptly annouced his retirement from football just a couple of weeks ago. Roaf’s career is highligted by his performance as an unbreakable pillar on the blind side. Whether with the Saints or the Chiefs, Roaf was rarely beaten in pass-blocking situations. He combined great footwork and coordination to keep pass-rushers at bay. As a run-blocker, Roaf had great timing, especially when he had to pull on sweeps and pitches off-tackle. Roaf’s blocking helped pave the way for Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson’s record-breaking performances at the tailback position over the last four seasons. Roaf was named to the 1990s All-Decade team and played in 11 Pro Bowl games.
 
Orlando Pace (St. Louis Rams 1997-present): Pace entered the league with high expectations following a tremendous career at Ohio State and his selection as the No.1 overall pick of the 1997 draft. He has owned up to the billing of being an elite lineman. In nine seasons, Pace has made the Pro Bowl seven times. He helped anchor an offensive line which gave Kurt Warner time to throw when the Rams were coined as “The Greatest Show on Turf.” Pace is hard for pass-rushers to get around because he has a long wingspan and great quickness for a man his size.
 
Jonathan Ogden (Baltimore Ravens 1996-present): Even though Ogden’s play has slipped some over the past two seasons, he still remains one of the greatest tackles to play on the left side. Ogden is the ideal blind-side blocker because he uses his long arms and overall size to engulf smaller ends. In the running game, Ogden does a great job of establishing position and he can overpower his opponents. Aside from one year at guard, the former Bruin has played all of his years at the left tackle position. He has earned nine trips to the Pro Bowl and started in 136 straight games before the 2004 season.
 
Walter Jones (Seattle Seahawks 1997-present): It took a little bit of time for Jones to realize his full potential, but now he is regarded as the best player at his position. Jones is a mountain of a man who is nearly impossible to get around because he covers so much space. Jones is especially excellent in the running game. He combines great technique, leverage and power to win most one-on-one battles at the point-of-attack. Along with left guard Steve Hutchinson, Jones helped carve out one of the best rushing seasons that a running back (Shaun Alexander) has put together. In nine seasons, Jones has earned six trips to the Pro Bowl.
 
Kicker
 
Adam Vinatieri (New England Patriots 1996-2005, Indianapolis Colts 2006-present): If any pure kicker is to ever earn a place in the Hall of Fame, it is going to be Vinatieri. He is regarded as the most clutch kicker in NFL history. He has made some of the biggest kicks in postseason history, including game-tying and game-winning kicks in a snow storm divisional match-up against Oakland. He also nailed two Super Bowl winning kicks against the St. Louis Rams and the Carolina Panthers. As much as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are looked at as the driving forces behind New England’s recent dynasty, Vinatieri’s kicks decided the fortune of the franchise. All in all, the former Patriot has kicked 19 game-winning field goals with less than one minute remaining (out of 20 attempts). He moves on to Indianapolis, where he may be the difference for the Colts getting over the hump as a playoff contender.

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Posted On: 8/5/06
Written By:  
Dev Panchwagh

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