When will a Titan get the call to Canton?

With the Titans set to travel to Canton, Ohio for the Hall of Fame game in just over two months, it is appropriate to examine when a player synonymous with the franchise's history in Nashville will be inducted into the Hall as a legend of Pro Football. Yes, Bruce Matthews is enshrined in Canton. However, only three of his 14 Pro Bowl appearances were as a Titan. Even with an organization that has done very well in the Music City in the last decade, the Titans' best Hall of Fame prospects are borderline options in the grand scheme of things. Here's a look at the club's best candidates in the years to come:

Eddie George

For: He leads the franchise in rushing yards and is one of only 24 running backs to eclipse the 10,000 yard plateau in NFL history. In his four consecutive pro bowl seasons (1997-2000), George was clearly an elite back in the league. His college career (Heisman winner at Ohio State) and post-NFL broadcasting work give him a higher media profile than some potential competitors for a spot in the Hall.

Against: There are 11 runners from his era with more career rushing yardage. This list includes borderline Hall candidates like Ricky Watters, Warrick Dunn and Corey Dillon. His running style didn't translate well to the stat sheet. George averaged a pedestrian 3.6 yards per carry in his career and averaged less than 3.5 yards per rush in each of his last four years in the league. Ottis Anderson, a player with some similar numbers to George, has failed to reach the Hall in over a decade on the ballot. Anderson, a six-time 1000 yard runner, won a Super Bowl with the high profile Giants and averaged 4.0 yards per carry in his career.    

Verdict: IN (Veteran's Committee Ballot)

Steve McNair

For: A league MVP winner and three-time Pro Bowler. He ranks a respectable 28th in career passing yardage ahead of Hall of Famers, like Len Dawson, Terry Bradshaw and Joe Namath. McNair was one of the better running quarterbacks of his era with a 5.4 yards per carry average and five seasons of over 400 yards on the ground.     

Against: The lack of a Super Bowl ring. Quarterbacks with similar resumes and championships have failed to land in Canton. These players would include Ken Stabler, Joe Theismann and Phil Simms. Clearly, a notch below contemporaries, like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Also, passing numbers are a little skewed in comparison to quarterbacks of the 1970's, like Bradshaw.

Verdict: OUT

Frank Wycheck

For: Fifth in career receptions by a tight end. He posted five consecutive seasons with at least 60 receptions for Tennessee (1997-2001). A three-time Pro Bowler. Wycheck gained added name value as part of one of the most memorable plays in league history in the Music City Miracle playoff win over the Bills.

Against: It is very difficult for tight ends to reach the Hall of Fame. He was clearly in the next group of tight ends in his era behind Shannon Sharpe and Tony Gonzalez. Also, Wycheck will be lost in the limelight among new star tight ends, such as Jason Witten and Antonio Gates.  

Verdict: OUT

Derrick Mason

For: He ranks 23rd in career receptions with 790 catches. With 38 receptions or more in 2009, Mason will pass at least five more receivers on the career rankings list.

Against: Only two Pro Bowl appearances in his career. Overshadowed by many high profile star receivers in era. Mason's yardage and TD receptions are well behind bigger name pass-catchers, like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. Also, of the 22 receivers ahead of him on the all-time list, 19 are from Mason's playing era.

Verdict: OUT 

Keith Bulluck

For: He leads the Titans in career tackles with 689. At 32, Bulluck still has some time left to make an impact. He is widely respected in the league despite his lack of name recognition.

Against: He has made the Pro Bowl just once. Bulluck isn't a marquee name in the manner of a Ray Lewis or a Brian Urlacher. He isn't a linebacker, who will get a lot of sacks and stats to bolster his reputation. 

Verdict: OUT