By John Sarianides

With the 2017 Hall of Fame induction ceremony in the books, it is time to look ahead to the class of 2018. 

Ray Lewis, Randy Moss, Steve Hutchinson, Brian Urlacher and Ronde Barber will be the most notable names to appear on the ballot for the first time in 2018. 

Lewis is a lock as a first ballot hall of famer. I think we can all agree with that so why argue it. 

Randy Moss should be as well but I have a feeling the committee is going to make him sweat it out a little. Moss’ attitude throughout his career and some of his encounters with the media will cost him.  Sure, he has turned his life around and is now a media darling on ESPN, but the writers aren’t as forgiving. 

If T.O and Marvin Harrison, who were Moss’ contemporaries didn’t get in on the first try, I don’t see him getting in on the first try either.

Steve Hutchinson is a first ballot hall of famer in my opinion. He was one of the most dominate interior offensive lineman in the history of the game in his prime. Hutchinson was a seven time Pro Bowler and made the All-Pro team five times. He should get in on the first try but it hasn’t always been easy for guards to get in on their first try recently. 

Urlacher could also go get in on the first ballot. The eight time pro bowler was one of the most dominate defenders of his generation. Urlacher was defensive player of the year in 2015. He was an all-pro four times in his career. Urlacher is a member of the all decade team of the 2000’s. 

Same with Barber. I think he will get in eventually. He had a great career and the longevity was there but I don’t think he should get in before his former teammate John Lynch who has appeared on the ballot for four years. 

It will be interesting to see if Lynch and T.O get enough votes to get in. They have been patiently waiting their turn and they deserve to get in. Either way, expect a loaded class in 2018. A class that could feature Patriots owner Bob Kraft in the contributor category.