25 Young Players That Have The Best Chances of Reaching The Hall of Fame

Oct 26, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates after sacking St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis (9) (not pictured) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

15. Muhammad Wilkerson, DE – New York (Jets):

The Jets’ mammoth defensive end Wilkerson is one of the league’s best at his position and he’s only 25. He’s in his fourth season and has gotten better each year. He’s amassed 23 sacks and forced six fumbles in his career. Wilkerson has also defended 12 passes and intercepted one. He’s a dominant force for the Jets and will continue to be.

14. Earl Thomas, S – Seattle:

The Seahawks’ free safety is one of the best in the business and he’s already played four and a half seasons despite being only 25 years old. If he can continue to be atop his position for the next 7-8 years there is no way he’s not at least considered for the Hall (easier said than done). He’s picked off 15 passes in his career and is a premier tackler. He’s also forced five fumbles and defended 35 passes in his career.

Sep 21, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) stiff arms Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 33-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

13. A.J. Green, WR – Cincinnati:

Green has scored 34 total touchdowns in his first three years in the league. That’s an incredible amount. At the age of 26, in his fourth season, he’s riding a three year 1,000-yard receiving streak (which is in jeopardy this year due to injury). Even so, he’s on pace for one of the better careers at the wide receiver position in NFL history. Plus, his chemistry with quarterback Andy Dalton is impeccable so his numbers should continue to be impressive over the next five to eight years.

12. Gerald McCoy, DT – Tampa Bay:

McCoy is only 26 years old and he’s regarded as one of the most dominant players in the game. In four and a half seasons he’s put up 21 sacks and defended 11 passes. He will continue to be one of the league’s top defenders as the next few years unfold. If he can sustain his 2013 play for the foreseeable future he’ll definitely have a chance to see his head in bronze in the future.

11. Justin Houston, LB – Kansas City:

In just three and a half years in the NFL Houston has recorded 36.5 sacks and forced four fumbles. He’s also defended 15 passes and intercepted one pass. In 2014 he’s putting together his best season and is currently one of the best defenders in the entire league. He’s not just a pass rusher though, he can also defend the run and he’s made 194 career tackles, too. Houston is only 25 years old. If he continues to get better and dominate for the next few years he could cement himself as an all-timer.