Best eligible WR not in Canton?

[football junkie]

Who is the best eligible wide receiver not enshrined in Canton?

My pick is Gary Clark, who was key to the Redskins Superbowls victories after the 1987 and 1991 regular seasons.

His career stats look like this:
+--------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Rushing | Receiving |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| Year TM | G | Att Yards Y/A TD | Rec Yards Y/R TD |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| 1985 was | 16 | 2 10 5.0 0 | 72 926 12.9 5 |
| 1986 was | 15 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 74 1265 17.1 7 |
| 1987 was | 12 | 1 0 0.0 0 | 56 1066 19.0 7 |
| 1988 was | 16 | 2 6 3.0 0 | 59 892 15.1 7 |
| 1989 was | 15 | 2 19 9.5 0 | 79 1229 15.6 9 |
| 1990 was | 16 | 1 1 1.0 0 | 75 1112 14.8 8 |
| 1991 was | 16 | 1 0 0.0 0 | 70 1340 19.1 10 |
| 1992 was | 16 | 2 18 9.0 0 | 64 912 14.2 5 |
| 1993 pho | 14 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 63 818 13.0 4 |
| 1994 ari | 15 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 50 771 15.4 1 |
| 1995 mia | 16 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 37 525 14.2 2 |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| TOTAL | 167 | 11 54 4.9 0 | 699 10856 15.5 65 |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+

Clark was a Pro-Bowler in '86, '87, '90, '91.

Who do you think belongs in Canton and why?

[CCN]

I'd really like to hear comparisons between the guys listed (and Art Monk) and the guys on the outside from the seventies and eighties, like Harold Carmichael and Bob Chandler.

In regards to Clark, I think he and his fine teammates Monk and Ricky Sanders have been hampered historically because those Skins teams were so loaded at the position.

[football junkie]

Didn't even realize Monk wasn't already in. Andre Reed is on the outside looking in too. They both deserves induction.

Art Monk (3 Pro Bowls)
+----------+-----+--------------------------+
| Year TM | G | Rec Yards Y/R TD |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+
| 1980 was | 16 | 58 797 13.7 3 |
| 1981 was | 16 | 56 894 16.0 6 |
| 1982 was | 09 | 35 447 12.8 1 |
| 1983 was | 12 | 47 746 15.9 5 |
| 1984 was | 16 | 106 1372 12.9 7 |
| 1985 was | 15 | 91 1226 13.5 2 |
| 1986 was | 16 | 73 1068 14.6 4 |
| 1987 was | 09 | 38 483 12.7 6 |
| 1988 was | 16 | 72 946 13.1 5 |
| 1989 was | 16 | 86 1186 13.8 8 |
| 1990 was | 16 | 68 770 11.3 5 |
| 1991 was | 16 | 71 1049 14.8 8 |
| 1992 was | 16 | 46 644 14.0 3 |
| 1993 was | 16 | 41 398 9.7 2 |
| 1994 nyj | 16 | 46 581 12.6 3 |
| 1995 phi | 03 | 6 114 19.0 0 |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+
| TOTAL | 224 | 940 12721 13.5 68 |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+

Andre Reed (7 Pro Bowls)
+----------+-----+--------------------------+
| Year TM | G | Rec Yards Y/R TD |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+
| 1985 buf | 16 | 48 637 13.3 4 |
| 1986 buf | 15 | 53 739 13.9 7 |
| 1987 buf | 12 | 57 752 13.2 5 |
| 1988 buf | 15 | 71 968 13.6 6 |
| 1989 buf | 16 | 88 1312 14.9 9 |
| 1990 buf | 16 | 71 945 13.3 8 |
| 1991 buf | 16 | 81 1113 13.7 10 |
| 1992 buf | 16 | 65 913 14.0 3 |
| 1993 buf | 15 | 52 854 16.4 6 |
| 1994 buf | 16 | 90 1303 14.5 8 |
| 1995 buf | 06 | 24 312 13.0 3 |
| 1996 buf | 16 | 66 1036 15.7 6 |
| 1997 buf | 15 | 60 880 14.7 5 |
| 1998 buf | 15 | 63 795 12.6 5 |
| 1999 buf | 16 | 52 536 10.3 1 |
| 2000 was | 06 | 10 103 10.3 1 |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+
| TOTAL | 227 | 951 13198 13.9 87 |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+

[football junkie]

Lance Alworth 1962-1972
Raymond Berry 1955-1967
Fred Biletnikoff 1965-1978
Tom Fears 1948-1956
Elroy (Crazylegs) Hirsch (also HB) 1946-1956
Charlie Joiner 1969-1986
Steve Largent 1976-1989
Dante Lavelli 1946-1956 James Lofton 1978-1993
Don Maynard 1958, 1960-1973
Tommy McDonald 1957-1968
Bobby Mitchell (also HB) 1958-1968
Pete Pihos 1947-1955
John Stallworth 1974-1987
Lynn Swann 1974-1982
Charley Taylor (also HB) 1964-1975, 1977
Paul Warfield 1964-1977

[brady_branch]

Art Monk. The fact that FJ didn't realize he was already in should show you why.

[Willie]

I went with "other" for Art Monk.

[football junkie]

I was waiting for someone to go with Irvin. He and Aikman should have gone into Canton this year as a pair.

[gridiron]

I was one of 2 who picked Irving, the Skins recievers do get "bunched" together so they kind of cancel each others' votes. But given the revolving door at QB in D.C> in those days, the bunch of them should go in.
Having said that, I still Irving think is the most deserving of those who are not yet enshrined.

[mordeci]

No love for Cris Collinsworth?

[football junkie]

Cris Collinsworth, that's classic. But if you were serious that's why the "other" exists.

That brings our total to the following:
4 votes for Art Monk
2 votes for Michael Irvin
1 vote for Gary Clark

[mordeci]

Yes, that was a joke. If any Bengal receiver deserves to go it would be Isaac Curtis, but that's a big if. Give my vote to the Monk.

[football junkie]

I know Andre Reed played in the "run & gun" offense but we haven't had one vote for him so far and we've had four votes for Art Monk -- despite the fact that Reed made four more Pro Bowls and scored 19 more touchdowns.

Nobody likes Andre Reed?

[CCN]

I know Andre Reed played in the "run & gun" offense but we haven't had one vote for him so far and we've had four votes for Art Monk -- despite the fact that Reed made four more Pro Bowls and scored 19 more touchdowns.

Nobody likes Andre Reed?
Reed was great. He's just so new to the ballot, I'd like to see those waiting longer get in. He's definitely in my top three, with Monk and Irvin. Henry Ellard would be a solid fourth.

[brady_branch]

I know Andre Reed played in the "run & gun" offense but we haven't had one vote for him so far and we've had four votes for Art Monk -- despite the fact that Reed made four more Pro Bowls and scored 19 more touchdowns.

Nobody likes Andre Reed?

Oh, I do, I just like Art Monk more.

[tdk1984]

Art Monk. He owned most of the receiving records before Jerry Rice broke them.

[ChrisLDuncan]

I voted Irvin it's a shame that he's not in Canton, but not too much love for Art Monk.

[Brooklyn]

I voted other for Art Monk

[soberdennis]

I could have voted for any of them. I chose Sharpe cause, I really don't know to be honest with you. They were all good.

[efin98]

Reed deserves to be in there but his Super Bowl losses will prevent him from getting in right away.

Same for Irvin, he angered too many media personalities to get in right away.

Monk should have been in there right away.

What about Cris Carter? He's not eligible yet but do you guys see him getting the same treatment for never winning the big game nor even getting to the Super Bowl, unlike many of the others on the list?

[football junkie]

I would imagine that Cris Carter is a shoe-in for Canton, first or second ballot. One of the main reasons is the great story of his career: cut by Buddy Ryan and Philadelphia for an attitude and alleged drug problem. He is picked up by Minnesota, completely turns his life around and then actually goes on to mentor a young Randy Moss. The time Moss and Carter spent as a tandem constitutes most of Moss' productive career.

Almost the same type of argument could be made for or against Tim Brown -- although he was part of the Raiders' 2002 team that lost in the Superbowl.

Carter and Brown's numbers are almost identical, except Carter has a huge advantage in touchdowns scored.

And since we've expanded the conversation to players that are just about eligible, how about Irving Fryar? Unlike Brown and Carter, Fryar fell short of 1,000 career receptions and 100 career touchdowns. He did, however, make it to a Superbowl in 1985. Just this past week he was passed by Marvin Harrison on the all-time receptions list. He's not in the same league with Brown, Carter or Rice -- but I still think he deserves consideration and possibly an eventual induction.

I'd rank the four: Rice, Carter, Brown, Fryar. (Of course not including guys like Monk and Reed.)

[efin98]

And since we've expanded the conversation to players that are just about eligible, how about Irving Fryar? Unlike Brown and Carter, Fryar fell short of 1,000 career receptions and 100 career touchdowns. He did, however, make it to a Superbowl in 1985. Just this past week he was passed by Marvin Harrison on the all-time receptions list. He's not in the same league with Brown, Carter or Rice -- but I still think he deserves consideration and possibly an eventual induction.

Two words for Fryer falling short: NEW ENGLAND. He wasn't used to his full potential while there, his stats were dragged down by bad playcalling and borderline QBs....He was a 5 time prow bowler, he's still in the top 10 in receptions and receiving yards and in the top 15 in receiving TDs so that should allow him some leeway...

I think Fryer is eligible already but Irving got the edge over him in all of the discussions. He may have to wait until Irving is in before he gets a fair crack at the Hall of Fame....

[ChrisLDuncan]

Irvin should be in the hall for sure he took some big hits, he wasn't afraid of getting hit over the middle. He had good hands and was the second best receiver in the league, we know who the best was, so I mean I'd say that he should be in. The reason why he isn't is because of the "off-field behavior" but he'll get in eventually. Probably when 22 gets in.

[KHenry14]

It has to be Irvin. As much as I dislike him both on and off the field, there is just no denying how great he was. He did make big plays, and he made a lot of them. Monk was a solid player, no doubt about it, but Irvin changed the course of many games.

[Hawaiin Lion]

I voted for Hines Ward... GO HINES!!! KILL THEM RAIDERS!!!

[ATLFalcons]

Art Monk needs to be in the Hall, he was the all-time leading receiver until Rice broke the record.

[CCN]

I voted for Hines Ward... GO HINES!!! KILL THEM RAIDERS!!!
Active players are not eligible.

[football junkie]

Then as things stand now we have at least six votes for Art Monk, five votes for Michael Irvin, and several people who seem to think that third in line should be Andre Reed and then fourth should be Henry Ellard.

This is of couse not including Jerry Rice, Cris Carter, Tim Brown and Irving Fryar.

Oh yes and of course, one vote for Hines Ward -- who should become eligible sometime around 2013.

[CCN]

I actually have Monk, then Reed, then Irvin, but Rice, Carter and Brown are ahead of all of them.

[C. Snake]

Art Monk. Topped 1000 yds. five times, led the league in receptions once, and a career 13.5 Y/R.

[Calif_Eagle]

The poll was closed when I found it, but I think Art Monk should get in, because he ended his career as the all-time leading pass receiver in NFL history. (I believe every other man to hold that distinction except for Billy Howton is in the HOF. Howton will probably never make it, as he was a leader & activist in the formation of the NFLPA at a time when the owners would have done almost anything to prevent that from happening, had they been able to.) With the statistical inflation that has skewed seasonal & career totals in the last 25 years or so, as to what type of numbers are good for a receiver many players with large numbers will never be good HOF choices. (Of course, they have trended upward, just look at the progression of the season record for catches, from 84 by Fears in the early 50's to apx 147 in recent times by Marvin Harrison.) The 100 catches in a season man is almost commonplace now. Numbers that might have led a league or conference in the 60's or 70's will finish "up the track" in the modern game. But Art Monk did one thing that many men who pass him in catches wont be able to claim. He was the all-time leader. This alone should get him, (& Howton also) into the HOF.

[Steel86town]

If I didn't miss the poll, I would of voted for Sterling Sharpe. He'd be up there next to Rice and above Carter if it wasn't for his unfortunate accident. He could of been the best ever. Him and Rice were always fighting the league lead in receptions, yards and TDs when they were both playing at the same time. Just imagine what him and Favre could of did if he stayed healthy. They could of brought a few more rings to Green Bay. Sharpe could of been the best ever. I also like Fryar, Reed and Carter. Irvin just got in on Saturday so I'm not even going to talk about him (his speech was great though. I never liked him but his speech was great.)

And with what I'm about to say, you guys might be saying to yourself, "He's only saying that because he's a Steelers fan", but I think that when Hines Ward is eligible, he should be inducted. His numbers aren't spectacular now (648-8005yds-58TD in 9 seasons) but it's just his style of play and toughness. He just wants to win and he's a good guy at the position (AHEM: T.O and Moss should learn from guys like Hines and Marvin Harrison) I don't think he really cares about numbers, just about winning. I'm also a fan of Joe Horn, but injuries are catching up to him.

I read just about every post in this thread because the WR is my favorite position. Some guys who are aging but still putting up okay numbers, like McCardell, Galloway, Muhamad and Glenn, I still follow.

[CCN]

If I didn't miss the poll, I would of voted for Sterling Sharpe. He'd be up there next to Rice and above Carter if it wasn't for his unfortunate accident. He could of been the best ever. Him and Rice were always fighting the league lead in receptions, yards and TDs when they were both playing at the same time. Just imagine what him and Favre could of did if he stayed healthy. They could of brought a few more rings to Green Bay. Sharpe could of been the best ever. I also like Fryar, Reed and Carter. Irvin just got in on Saturday so I'm not even going to talk about him (his speech was great though. I never liked him but his speech was great.)

.

If I were more of a Lions fan than I am I'd absolutely hate Sterling Sharpe. He's similar to Terrell Davis in having a HOF career that was cut too short. But he was better than Davis.