Ray Lewis Among Active NFL Players Who Should Be Headed for the Hall of Fame

Every year, new players are added to the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Debates rage on and on about who should be in, who shouldn't be in, and who will or will not be in.

While most of the focus goes towards players already retired, I decided to take a look at some active players who will be, or could be Canton-bound.

*Players will be listed by Name, Position, Team they associate in the hall*

Ray Lewis - LB - Baltimore Ravens

Ray Lewis is probably the second best middle linebacker to ever play, only behind the great Dick Butkus. He is a consistent player in that Baltimore defense, and has been for a long time. He was the leader of what some would call one of the best defenses ever when he anchored that Super Bowl-winning 2000 Ravens' team. Ray Lewis instills fear into every offense and offensive coordinator unfortunate enough to have to play against him.

Lorenzo Neal - FB - San Diego Chargers

Lorenzo Neal is a guy who probably will not enter the Hall of Fame, but only because of the flaw in the Hall of Fame's system. As a fullback, he does not have the rushing numbers to go in as a running back, but also does not get recognized the same way as a lineman would because fullbacks generally bounce around from team to team. But the fact is Lorenzo Neal has 11 straight years of blocking for a 1,000-yard rusher. He's a hard-nosed guy who represents everything that is great about football.

Ed Reed - FS - Baltimore Ravens

Ed Reed is the third best safety to ever play, right behind Brian Dawkins and Ronnie Lott. Ed Reed can not only lay a hit on any receiver unfortunate enough to come across the middle, but is a ball-hawk. He may be the most opportunistic safety in the history of the league and is a highlight-reel machine. An exciting player to watch, and should see his bust in the hall.

Jamal Lewis - RB - Baltimore Ravens

One of a select few running backs in the league's history with 10,000 rushing yards and one of only five other players to run for more than 2,000 yards in a single season. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in six of his last seven season and at one point owned the NFL record for rushing yards in a single game (295). If he performs consistently for the next few years he should find his way into Canton eventually.

Marvin Harrison - WR - Indianapolis Colts

Marvin Harrison is a no-brainer pick and should be a first-ballot guy. He has moved into second place all time in receptions with just two over 1,100. He owns the record for receptions in a season with 143 and is just shy of 130 touchdowns for his career. While he may not have the flash of a Jerry Rice or Cris Carter, he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. Punch his ticket right now.

Peyton Manning - QB - Indianapolis Colts

In only 11 years, Peyton Manning has amassed over 45,000 passing yards and 333 touchdowns thrown. He has won a Super Bowl and was voted MVP in that game. He has never missed a game in his entire career and is one of the most spectacular quarterbacks to ever put on a helmet. Another sure-fire guy who will have no problem entering the Hall of Fame.

Fred Taylor - RB - Jacksonville Jaguars

Fred Taylor is a guy who does not get much national exposure because of the market he plays in, and therefore has been overlooked his entire career. He has amassed over 11,000 rushing yards and has seven seasons where he rushed for over 1,000 yards. The only knock on Fred Taylor has been his issues with injury, but he always bounces back and performs at a high level. His body of work gets him in.

Tony Gonzalez - TE - Kansas City Chiefs

Outside of Kellen Winslow, Sr. Tony Gonzalez is the best tight end to ever grace a football field. The man blocks like a tackle, and catches like a wide receiver. He has revolutionized a position that once was nothing more than an extra tackle. Gonzalez holds almost every conceivable record for tight ends. He'll be a first ballot Hall of Fame entry.

Tom Brady - QB - New England Patriots

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