Ranking the 15 Modern-Era Finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame

On February 5, the day before the Super Bowl, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Selection Committee will select who should be a part of the Hall of Fame's Class of 2011.  In preparation for the selection, I thought it would be best to examine the modern-era finalists.  

It is not that the Senior Committee's nominees, Chris Hanburger and Les Richter, do not matter.  The reason that they are left of the list is that the Senior nominees are usually locks to get selected.  Both Hanburger and Richter had great careers and are worthy of being selected.

That said, please enjoy the ranking of the 15 modern-era finalists.  

15: Richard Dent, DE

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1988: Defensive end Richard Dent #95 of the Chicago Bears runs on the field during a 1988 season game. (Photo by Allen Steele/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears 1983-93, 1995, San Francisco 49ers 1994, Indianapolis Colts 1996, Philadelphia Eagles 1997

During his career, Richard Dent had eight double-digit sack seasons.  Dent's most impressive feat as a player was leading the NFC in sacks with 17.5 in 1984 while only starting in 10 games.  Dent backed up his 1984 season by leading the entire NFL in sacks in 1985, a feat that earned him his only AP first-team All-Pro selection. In the end, Dent finished his career with 137.5 sacks, which is sixth best all-time.

It was in Dent's All-Pro year of 1985 that he helped lead the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl XX title.  In the 46-10 route of the New England Patriots, Dent recorded three tackles, 1.5 sacks, and  two forced fumbles.  This performance was good enough to earn him the MVP award in that Super Bowl. 

While being selected to four Pro Bowls (1984, 1985, 1990, 1993) is impressive, it does not come across as Hall of Fame worthy when considering that he only had four selections in 15 NFL seasons.  

14: Charles Haley DE/OLB

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19 Nov 1995: Defensive lineman Charles Haley of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during a game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Stadium in Oakland, California. The Cowboys won the game, 34-21.

San Francisco 49ers 1986-91, 1999, Dallas Cowboys 1992-96

Charles Haley is the only player in NFL history to win five Super Bowls.  Two of these were with the San Francisco 49ers (1988, 1989) and three were Dallas Cowboys (1992, 1993, 1995).  

During his first stint in San Francisco, Haley starred as an outside linebacker. While at this position, Haley earned three Pro Bowl berths (1988, 1990-91) and one first-team All-Pro selection (1990).  

Following his move to Dallas, Haley was converted to a defensive end for the Cowboys.  While a Cowboy, Haley earned two more Pro Bowl Selections (1994, 1995), and was selected as a first-team All-Pro in 1994. 

Haley's five Pro Bowl selections are indicative of him being a good player, but in fourteen seasons, this number does not seem to compare well against others on the list.

13: Jerome Bettis, RB

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Jerome Bettis of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball during Super Bowl XL between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on February 5, 2006. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images)

Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams 1993-95, Pittsburgh Steelers 1996-2005

Affectionately known as "The Bus," Jerome Bettis amassed 13,332 rushing yards in his career, which ranks him fifth all-time.  

Bettis' path of destruction through the NFL began in his rookie year of 1993 with the Los Angeles Rams.  During this year, Bettis earned Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro, and Pro Bowl honors after gaining 1,429 yards for the Rams.  

Bettis had a solid Pro Bowl season with the Rams in 1994, but he fell out of favor with the team in 1995.  Following the 1995 season, Bettis found a home in Pittsburgh, where he earned four more Pro Bowl selections (1996, 1997, 2001, 2004), and a second first-team All-Pro position (1996). 

While being a good player for a long time, Bettis never struck people as an all-time great running back.  Bettis was not a flashy running back who could stun audiences, but he had a great ability to take control of a game and grind out a victory for the Steelers.  With this ability and his career numbers, look for Bettis to eventually be voted in.

12: Andre Reed, WR

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8 Sep 1991: Wide Receiver Andre Reed carries the football after making a catch during the Bills 52-34 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORT

Buffalo Bills 1985-99, Washington Redskins 2000

Andre Reed was one of the most fearless receivers during his era.  No one was better at going across the middle and making the tough catch as Reed was.  Furthermore, Reed was one of the best receivers during his era when it came to catching a pass on a short route and breaking 50 yards for a touchdown.  

In his career, Reed was selected to seven Pro Bowls (1988-94) and had 13 seasons of 50 or more catches (second only to Jerry Rice).

Reed was also a key contributor on the Buffalo Bills' Super Bowl teams of the early 1990s.  With quarterback Jim Kelly, they became one of the most prolific passing tandems in NFL history.  When Kelly retired in 1996, Kelly to Reed had produced 663 receptions, which was a NFL record at the time.  

For a player who seemed to be one of the best at his position during the late 1980s and early 1990s, it is hard to think that Reed was never selected first-team All-Pro.  Therefore, Reed only ranks twelfth on the list. 

11: Ed Sabol, Founder of NFL Films

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NEW YORK - APRIL 19: (L-R) NFL filmmakers Steve Sabol and Ed Sabol attend the 25th Annual Sports Emmy Awards April 19, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

NFL Films contributed to the growth of the NFL's popularity by providing fans with a unique glimpse into the sport.  Through NFL Films, we were treated not only with highlights, but introduced to the drama and pageantry of the professional football.

It's hard to measure how much NFL Films contributed to the NFL's popularity.  However, It certainly deserves credit, which is why Sabol is a worthy selection for the Hall of Fame.

10: Chris Doleman, DE/LB

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12 Nov 1989: Linebacker Chris Doleman of the Minnesota Vikings looks to make a tackle during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Vikings won the game, 24-10.

Minnesota Vikings 1985-93, 1999, Atlanta Falcons 1994-95, San Francisco 49ers 1996-98

While not very well-recognized by the fans during his playing career, Chris Doleman was able to put together a solid Hall of Fame resume.  Doleman was selected to the All-Decade Team of the 1990s, eight Pro Bowls (1987-90, 1992-93, 1995, 1997), and first-team All-Pro two times (1989, 1992).

Doleman's best season was in 1989 when he led the NFL with 21.0 sacks.  This ability to accumulate sacks helped Doleman earn 150.5 in his career, which is fourth best all-time.

The problem with Doleman's reputation is the fact that his career as a DE overlapped with the careers of Reggie White and Bruce Smith, two of the greatest at that position in NFL history. 

9: Curtis Martin, RB

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 16: Curtis Martin #28 of the New York Jets gets ready for the snap during the game against the Buffalo Bills on October 16, 2005 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won 27-17. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Gett

New England Patriots 1995-97, New York Jets 1998-2005 

Curtis Martin broke into the NFL in 1995 with a stellar rookie campaign.  That year, Martin led the AFC with 1,487 rushing yards, a feat that earned him Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl honors.

In 1996, Martin had a another Pro Bowl season with the New England Patriots, and helped them earn a trip to the Super Bowl.  

Following his time with the Patriots, Martin played eight seasons with the New York Jets.  While with the Jets, Martin earned three more Pro Bowl Selections (1998, 2001, 2004) and one first-team All-Pro honor (2004).

Martin's most impressive feat occurred during his All-Pro season of 2004.  At the age of 31, Martin was able to win the NFL rushing title by accumulating 1,697 yards.

While not perceived as an outstanding back, Martin quietly amassed 14,101 rushing yards in his career, which places him fourth all-time.

8: Tim Brown, WR/KR/PR

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8 Oct 2000: Tim Brown #81 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the San Francisco 49ers at 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck/ALLSPORT

Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders 1988-2003, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2004

Tim Brown's career in the NFL began with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1988 while performing primarily as a kick returner.  While serving as a kick returner, Brown earned two Pro Bowl selections (1988, 1991).

Beginning in 1993, Brown started a nine year streak of gaining 1,000 yards in receiving.  During this time, Brown earned seven Pro Bowl selections (1993-97, 1999, 2001) and was named to the NFL's All-Decade team of the 1990s.

Brown currently ranks fourth all-time in receptions (1,094), fourth in receiving yards (14,934), and sixth in receiving touchdowns (100).  All of this was done while playing with a variety of quarterbacks: Jay Schroeder, Steve Beuerlein, Todd Marinovich, Jeff Hostetler, Jeff George, Donald Hollas, Rich Gannon, and Rick Mirer. 

Surprisingly, Brown was never named a first-team All-Pro.  As with Reed, it is this fact that prevents me from ranking him higher on this list.  But people need to keep in mind that for much of his career with the Raiders, he was the only the only great offensive player that they had, and defenses still could not single him out and stop him.

7: Cortez Kennedy, DT

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3 Sep 2000: Cortez Kennedy #96 of the Seattle Seahawks is looking on during the game against the Miami Dolphins at the Pro Players Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Seahawks 23-0.Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport

Seattle Seahawks 1990-2000

While not highly recognized by fans in the sports world due to his teams rarely making playoff appearances (only one in his career-1999), Kennedy built a Hall of Fame resume.  Kennedy has a Seahawks' record eight Pro Bowl selections (1991-96, 1998-99), three first-team All-Pro selections (1992-94), and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s.  

His most impressive feat came in 1992 when he was named Defensive Player of the Year while playing on a team that went 2-14.  During this season, Kennedy recorded 14 sacks, 92 tackles, a recovered fumble, and two batted down passes.

6: Dermontti Dawson, C

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10 Dec 1995: Offensive lineman Dermontti Dawson of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action on the field as he looks to the sideline for a play call during the Steelers 29-10 victory over the Oakland Raiders at Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. M

Pittsburgh Steelers 1988-2000

Dermontti Dawson anchored the Steelers offensive line during most of the Bill Cowher era.  Following Hall of Famer Mike Webster at center, Dawson helped lead the way for one of the best rushing attacks during the 1990s.  

The two best years of the Steelers' rushing attack were 1994 and 1997.  During both of those seasons, the Steelers led the NFL in team rushing with 2,180 yards in 1994 and 2,479 yards in 1997.  

Arguably the best center of the 1990s, Dawson was able to earn seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections (1992-98), six consecutive first-team All-Pro Selections (1993-98), and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s.

5: Cris Carter, WR

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24 Oct 1999: Cris Carter #80 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on the sidelines during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 40-16. Mandatory Credit: Tom Pidgeon /Allsport

Philadelphia Eagles 1987-89, Minnesota Vikings 1990-2001, Miami Dolphins 2002

Cris Carter had one of the best set of hands in NFL history.  The man routinely made spectacular throughout his 16 seasons in the NFL.  

Carter was named to eight Pro Bowls (1993-2000), twice as a first-team All-Pro (1994, 1999), and was selected to the NFL's All-Decade team of the 1990s.  Currently Carter ranks third all-time in receptions (1,101), and eighth in receiving yards (13,899).

What Carter is most known for is catching touchdowns.  Carter had six seasons with 10 or more touchdowns, and led the NFL in receiving touchdowns three times (1995, 1997, 1999).  Currently, Carter is fourth all-time in receiving touchdowns with 130. 

4: Shannon Sharpe, TE

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4 Nov 1996: Shannon Sharpe #84 of the Denver Broncos celebrates his first quarter touchdown reception during the Monday night game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw/Allsp

Denver Broncos 1990-99, 2002-03, Baltimore Ravens 2000-01

Shannon Sharpe went from being a unknown seventh round pick out of Savannah State to being one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.  

While being the best TE of the 1990s, Sharpe earned eight Pro Bowl berths (1992-98, 2001), four first-team All-Pro selections (1993, 1996-98), and a spot on the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s.  

Not universally recognized as a great blocking tight end, Sharpe more than made up for it.  When Sharpe retired, he had the NFL career records for tight ends in receptions (815), yards (10,060) and TDs (62).  

For a player who was clearly the best at the position he played during his career, it is a shame that has not yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame. 

3: Willie Roaf, OT

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13 Sep 1998: Offensive tackle William Roaf #77 of the New Orleans Saints in action during a game against the Carolina Panthers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Panthers 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /

New Orleans Saints 1993-2001, Kansas City Chiefs 2002-05

Willie Roaf quietly built one of the best resumes for any offensive tackle in history.  Roaf earned 11 Pro Bowl honers (1994-2000, 2002-05) and three first-team All-Pro selections (1994-95, 2004) in 13 seasons as a player.  

Roaf was also named to the All-Decade Teams of the 1990s and the 2000s, the only player on the list with such of a distinction.

While in Kansas City, Roaf was a key component in an offensive attack that led the NFL in points during 2002 and 2003, and led the NFL in total yards during 2004 and 2005.  

2: Marshall Faulk, RB

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ST. LOUIS - NOVEMBER 7: Running back Marshall Faulk #28 of the St. Louis Rams runs upfield against the New England Patriots on November 7, 2004 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The Patriots defeated the Rams 40-22. (Photo by Elsa/Getty I

Indianapolis Colts 1994-98, St. Louis Rams 1999-2005

Marshall Faulk is possibly the best all-purpose running back in NFL history.  Faulk was the first to have over 2,000 yards from scrimmage in four straight seasons (1998-2001).  During this time, Faulk was named Offensive Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons (1999-2001).  Marshall also was selected as the NFL's MVP in 2000 (the only player on the list ever named NFL MVP).  

It was during these years that Faulk played a major role in pro football's "Greatest Show on Turf."  During his time with the St. Louis Rams, Faulk led them to two Super Bowl appearances and a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.  

Faulk is currently fourth on the all-time list for yards from scrimmage with 19,154.  Furthermore, Faulk earned seven Pro Bowl selections (1994-95, 1998-2002) and was named first-team All-Pro three times (1999-2001).

1: Deion Sanders, CB/KR/PR

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 13: Defensive back Deion Sanders #21 of the Atlanta Falcons looks back over his shoulder as he celebrates running the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during a game at Candlestick Park on October 13, 1991 in San Francisco, Cal

Atlanta Falcons 1989-93, San Francisco 49ers 1994, Dallas Cowboys 1995-99, Washington Redskins 2000, Baltimore Ravens 2004-05

Deion Sanders' weak tackling abilities was more that compensated for with his ability to shut-down wide receivers and make amazing kickoff or punt returns.   

Sanders is first all-time in non-offensive TDs with 19, and twenty-third in interceptions with 53.  While Deion's interception total is low in comparison to other great defensive backs, it more indicative of how afraid quarterbacks were to throw against him.  

Deion's shut-down capabilities helped the San Francisco 49ers win the Super Bowl in 1994, and the Dallas Cowboys win the following year in 1995.

During his career, "Primetime" earned eight Pro Bowl selections (1991-94, 1996-99), was named a first-team All-Pro six times (1992-94, 1996-98), won Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1994, and was selected to the All-Decade Team of the 1990s.