Which Current NFL Players Are the Most Hall of Fame Caliber?

Peyton Manning was the biggest free agent of the 2012 offseason, after a Hall of Fame career with the Indianapolis Colts.

In fact, there are a handful of players who are already a lock for Canton after their performances over their careers.

Which players make the cut? Here are the current NFL players that are Hall of Fame-worthy right now.

TE Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez is currently the only tight end in the NFL that has already locked up a spot in Canton.

He has performed at a high level on a consistent basis with the Chiefs and Falcons.

Through 12 seasons, Gonzalez has recorded 1,149 receptions, 13,338 yards and 95 touchdowns. Not only do these statistics match up with the better tight ends, but he also stacks up against some of the greater receivers in NFL history.

Gonzalez may not become a first-ballot Hall of Famer because the committee is tough regarding tight ends. His limited success in the playoffs could hurt him early on.

However, his credentials speak for itself.

WR Terrell Owens

There has been plenty of controversy during Terrell Owens' career. In fact, he appears to be very similar as a receiver to Cris Carter, who has yet to make the Hall of Fame.

However, the production on the field speak for itself. T.O. is one of the best wide receivers in NFL history.

He has recorded nine seasons of at least 1,000-plus yards, and eight of those seasons consisted of 10 or more touchdowns.

He ranks second all time in receiving yards (15,934) and touchdowns (153), trailing only Jerry Rice.

Whenever Owens retires from the game, he will eventually find himself in the Hall of Fame alongside Rice and the other great receivers.

S Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu will become a Hall of Fame defensive player when his career comes to its conclusion.

In this case, stats don't always tell the story. He has been the most valuable player for a veteran Steelers defense that has been the most consistent over his nine seasons.

As a strong safety, he has made an impact in every aspect on the defensive side of the football.

He can cover receivers, record defensive touchdowns and put pressure on the quarterback. Injuries have never stopped Polamalu from making an impact in both the regular season and the postseason.

Polamalu, along with another certain safety on this list, has changed the way that safeties are used in the NFL today.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson

As LaDainian Tomlinson approaches the end of his career, he certainly has a spot waiting for him in Canton.

Known as "LT", Tomlinson must be considered one of the better running backs to have ever put on a NFL uniform.

He has rushed for 13,684 yards and 145 touchdowns. He scored 10 or more rushing touchdowns for nine straight seasons. His most notable season was in 2006 when Tomlinson scored 28 touchdowns along with 1,815 rushing yards.

During his prime, Tomlinson was one of the more explosive players in league history. He will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he is put up for nomination.

CB Charles Woodson

There is no question that Charles Woodson is already a Hall of Fame cornerback. He already compares with many of the cornerbacks that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

At age 35, Woodson's stats speak for itself. His 54 interceptions rank him higher than Deion Sanders, Herb Adderley, Jimmy Johnson and Mike Haynes.

He is tied for second all time in defensive touchdowns, and only trails by Rod Woodson for first all time.

Woodson has been a dominant cornerback over the course of his career, and carried the Packers secondary to a Super Bowl two seasons ago.

LB Ray Lewis

The only questions remaining on Ray Lewis' resume' is where exactly he ranks among the greatest linebackers of all time.

Lewis has anchored the Ravens defense for 15 seasons, and has recorded over 1,500 tackles in the process.

He is a member of the famous Ravens' Super Bowl-winning defense that is considered with the '85 Chicago Bears as among the single-season greatest defenses in NFL history.

His intelligence for the game of football cannot be questioned. He will be honored in a great way during his induction ceremony into Canton.

S Ed Reed

Ray Lewis' teammate is a guaranteed first-ballot Hall of Famer as well. Ed Reed is the greatest free safety to ever play the game on football.

He is similar to Troy Polamalu as he indeed impacted the way the safety position is played. More importantly, he forces opposing teams to create an offensive game plan that avoids Reed.

It isn't easy as it looks. Reed has recorded 57 interceptions, forced 11 fumbles and six defensive touchdowns.

Reed's performance on the football field has the changed the outlook of how teams will build defenses for years to come.

QB Tom Brady

Tom Brady has played at an elite level for plenty of years with the New England Patriots.

He has been a lock for the Hall due to his consistent play when it matters most.

With three Super Bowl rings, Brady is in a position to catch Joe Montana for the most championship wins by a quarterback in NFL history.

It's only a matter of time until the discussion begins of whether Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time.

QB Peyton Manning

As for who will be considered the greatest quarterback of all time, Peyton Manning will certainly be in the discussion when his career ends.

Not only did Manning carry the Indianapolis Colts franchise to a Super Bowl championship, but his elite play during his time there makes him arguably the greatest Colt ever.

He is expected to break the few records held by Brett Favre and Dan Marino while he is with the Denver Broncos. In fact, Manning is determined to win a few more championships before the end of his career.

Manning will want to leave his lasting image of the NFL by resurrecting one of the league's more famous franchises.