Assuming Smitty never gets a ring...

[scarface]

I love Smitty, but I just don't really see him getting in. He's a good receiver, but an all-time great? I don't know about that.

You shut your mouth!

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

i've also heard it suggested that his sometimes antagonistic relationship with the media may hurt him as well.

[PhillyB]

if he can somehow chew off another five years of solid production as a second or third option and snag at least one ring along the way i'd say his chances are pretty good.

[Proudiddy]

I would think at the least, higher than Cris Carter, who is the lowest "lock" for the HOF without a ring, if I'm not mistaken.

[Growl]

Saying Smith talent wise isn't worth of the Hall is just ignorant. Your overrating some of the guys on there.

[PantherGuy]

You shut your mouth!

Okay, what was wrong with what I said? You have an opinion to offer other than "Shut up! How dare you say that"?

[Blitz]

He needs to get to at least top 5 in yards. WR's entering the Hall are currently in a log jam. Without a ring, Smith will have to have "best of all time" type numbers.

I second this, anything less than ring"s" or top 2 in yards and he's too short (stats wise, settle down button pushers). Unfortunately I see his physicall abilities starting to decline, he seems to be missing that full seperation ability.

He would need 4 years of being top 3 wr in league to have a shot and an after football espn gig could help

[iampantherman]

Imagine if Smitty were in SF during the Montana/ Young era. I wonder what his numbers would be like. As great as Jerry Rice was, he benefited tremendously from being in a system designed by Walsh, who was very much ahead of the curve. Or how would his numbers look had he been a part of the Air Coryell system in San Diego with Dan Fouts. I think measuring recievers on their ability alone would put SS in as a first ballot HOFer. Steve has had Chris Weinke, Rodney Peete, Jake Delhome, and Jimmy Clausen among others throwing him the ball, usually in a very run-oriented offense. Much of perceived success and ability are a byproduct of circumstance.

[carolina-chuck]

he needs to get higher than Tim Brown

very true. in order for Smitty to even be in talks of being a HOF in the future, he needs to be with Brown.

[Way Truth Life]

Fryar, Reed and Brown surprised me....I figured they were already in

[Firefox]

[Dilated_chakra]

for real? we are now assuming smitty never gets a ring? WOW ....lets assume your father pulled out and your entire existance was a lil white blob on your moms belly. lets assume that!

[FastNFurious]

Maybe if Smitty is lucky enough to be traded to a team with a real shot at winning one.... definitely not while in Charlotte

[Jackofalltrades]

Top 20 with a triple crown and crappy QB's should, SHOULD be enough.