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

Oct 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) celebrates after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

10. Marcell Dareus, DT – Buffalo:

Buffalo’s defensive tackle Dareus has played like a Hall of Fame inductee for the entirety of his three and a half year career. In 2014 he’s putting together his best year to date. Over his career he’s amassed 25.5 sacks from the defensive tackle position, defended 12 passes, and forced two fumbles. In 2013 he managed to make 73 tackles, too. He can do it all and he is only 24 years old. If he continues to play like this for even five more seasons he should be considered for the Hall. If he does it for ten then he’s a first-ballot selection (Warren Sapp average 7.3 sacks per year, Dareus is on an 8.1 sacks per year pace).

9. Robert Quinn, DE – St. Louis:

The Rams’ defensive end is one of the best players in the NFL at age 24. He’s explosive and has recorded 37.5 sacks in only three and a half seasons (wow). Quinn has also forced nine fumbles and defended five passes; he really is the complete package. If he reaches the age of 30 playing at the same rate he is playing now he’ll be a Hall of Fame inductee at some point. Not that it’s an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

Sep 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) leaves the field after the game. The Panthers defeated the Lions 24-7 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

8. Luke Kuechly, LB – Carolina:

The Panthers’ defensive leader and phenomenal playmaker is none other than the 23 year old linebacker Kuechly. He’s in the middle of his third season with the Panthers and has already recorded 409 tackles, six interceptions, four sacks, one forced fumble, and has defended 19 passes. Did I mention that he’s only 23? Kuechly has six and half more seasons in his twenties alone to rack up more impressive statistics and awards. Barring injury he’s almost a lock to be a Hall of Fame inductee some day — he’s that good.

7. Dez Bryant, WR – Dallas:

Bryant has caught 45 touchdown passes in his career and he’s only 25 years old. If you’re not familiar with all-time NFL statistics maybe that doesn’t jump off the page at you. But that puts him on pace to have scored 120 touchdowns by the age of 33 (A.K.A. the fourth most touchdown receptions in NFL history). That is the definition of Hall of Fame caliber play and he hasn’t even reached his prime yet.

6. Jimmy Graham, TE – New Orleans:

The Saints’ incredibly athletic tight end has helped to forever revolutionize the position. In four and a half seasons he’s scored 45 touchdowns and had two 1,000 yard receiving seasons. He’s 27 years old and has a lot of good years ahead of him. If he can continue to play at his current place for about six more years he will just about lock in his spot in Canton.