Derrick Mason -- Hall of Fame career
By Bryce Martin

If it was possible to catch a football thrown in his direction, Derrick Mason would nearly always snare it. He was clutch and seldom missed a snap of playing time while with the Titans. In his 14 years in the NFL, he has missed just six regular season games.

I have kept up with his numbers since he left to join the Ravens. He is nearing Hall of Fame numbers.

He has some things against him: never being a top ten MVP vote getter, a lack of Pro Bowl nods (2), and other categories outside his actual accomplishments on the field. The fact that many consider him the best route runner in the NFL has to be considered.

I recently made my assertation based on who is in the hall with similar achievements at the wide receiver position. I knew Art Monk would be in that category and so I looked up Monk's numbers, since that is what got him in the HOF and is ultimately the decider for anyone.

Numberswise, Mason has played in 218 games to Monk's 224. That helps to compare since the total number of games is relatively equal. Mason has 830 less receiving yards, 12,721 to 11,891, and two fewer touchdowns, 68 to 66. It is very likely Mason will eclipse Monk in those prime production numbers next season.

Mason also has an intriguing and unreported string going. He had 61 total receptions this season, making it 11 years in a row he has had at least 60 receptions. The record holder in that category? Jerry Rice? Randy Moss? Raymond Berry? No, tight end Tony Gonzalez set the mark this season with 12 successive years of at least 60 receptions. Mason is breathing down his neck on that one.

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