Pro Football Hall of Fame 2018 class: Terrell Owens and Randy Moss are in, John Lynch left out again

The voters have spoken, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2018 class has been chosen. Randy Moss, Brian Dawkins, Brian Urlacher, Ray Lewis, Terrell Owens, Jerry Kramer, Robert Brazile, and Bobby Beathard are all in, the Hall of Fame announced Saturday.

Dawkins is the only player in NFL history to record more than 25 sacks, picks, and forced fumbles. Those numbers speak for themselves, and his inclusion seems like a no-brainer. But this was Dawkins’ second season of eligibility, and he was snubbed by voters in 2017. The voters made it right this year, and the Eagles’ leader on and off the field will take his rightful place in Canton.

Lewis was expected to make it in on his first try, and he did. Lewis was the heart and soul of the Ravens’ defense throughout his 17-year career. Lewis’ selection was nearly a foregone conclusion, despite the fact that he was charged with murder in 2000. Lewis pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. But the voters stayed focused on the fact that Lewis may be the best middle linebacker to ever take the field in the NFL.

Moss certainly had the on-field credentials to justify a bust in Canton. But his contentious relationship with the media and his tendency to take plays off when the ball wasn’t coming his way, coupled with the voters’ aversion to bringing in wide receivers in their first year of eligibility, made his inclusion less certain. But voters clearly judged him on his play, and his inclusion is justified.

Owens was snubbed by the Hall in his each of first two years of eligibility. The third time was a charm. Voters made excuses about Owens’ attitude and the number of teams he played for over his career to keep him out. But Owens had nine seasons with 1,000-plus yards. Owens’ career justifies his inclusion.

Urlacher was an old-school run thumper over his 13 seasons at middle linebacker for the Bears. His coverage skills set the bar high for every middle linebacker who has come into the league after him. Urlacher finished his career with 41 ¹⁄₂ sacks, 78 passes defended, and 22 interceptions, a testament to his versatility.

Jerry Kramer was one of Bart Starr’s most consistent blockers with the Green Bay Packers. He was a finalist for the Hall nine times during his modern-era eligibility, which expired in 1998. He was also a senior finalist in 1997. Kramer was the only member of the NFL’s 50th Anniversary Team who hadn’t been included in the Hall of Fame. The voters changed that this year.

Brazile was the other senior finalist, along with Kramer. Brazile started every single game during his 10-year career with the Houston Oilers. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1975, and he earned seven Pro Bowl nods and was a two-time first-team All-Pro.

Beathard will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a contributor. Beathard was a fixture in NFL front offices over his lengthy career and spent time with the Chiefs, Falcons, Dolphins, Washington, and the Chargers. Washington won two Super Bowls under his leadership as general manager, and he was with the Dolphins for their perfect season in 1972 as their director of player personnel.

The most notable snub was former Buccaneers and Broncos safety and current 49ers general manager John Lynch.

Lynch finished his career with 1,058 tackles, 13 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, and 26 interceptions.

Bruce averaged more yards per catch over his career than both Owens and Jerry Rice, both of whom are Hall of Famers now. His 1,024 receptions rank Bruce 13th in league history, but his 15,208 yards are good for fifth. That tells you what a versatile deep threat he was.

Here’s how the voting broke down: