Five NFL players who should get the call to the Hall of Fame on Thursday

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 will be announced on Thursday night during the "NFL Honors" ceremony.

Antonio Gates and Julius Peppers are in their first year of eligibility and are the likeliest members of the 2024 Hall of Fame class. 

These are the reasons why they — and three others — should book a trip to Canton, Ohio in August.

1. Tight end Antonio Gates

The former Kent State basketball star turned into one of the best tight ends in NFL history. The three-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler is third among tight ends in receptions (955) and receiving yards (11,841). Gates, who played his entire 16-year career with the Chargers, leads all tight ends in receiving touchdowns (116), only trailing wideouts Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Cris Carter, Marvin Harrison and Larry Fitzgerald on the all-time list.

2. Defensive end Julius Peppers

The 17-year vet finished his career in 2018 with 159.5 sacks, the fourth most in NFL history. Peppers was one of the league's best defensive ends for two decades, being named a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-2000s and All-2010s Teams. He was the ultimate playmaker for the Panthers, Bears and Packers, finishing his career with six touchdowns, 11 interceptions and 52 forced fumbles.

3. Linebacker Patrick Willis 

Willis' career was cut short due to a toe injury, but the former San Francisco 49ers star did more than enough during his first seven seasons to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame. He led the league in tackles twice, including as a rookie in 2007, when he was named Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year. Willis is one of 12 linebackers in league history to reach seven Pro Bowls and be named first-team All-Pro five times. He's in his fifth year of eligibility and third year as a finalist and should break through this year.

4. Wide receiver Torry Holt

It's a mystery why Holt isn't already in the Hall of Fame. The former St. Louis Rams wideout was a pivotal member of the franchise's "Greatest Show On Turf" days alongside quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk and wide receiver Isaac Bruce. Do you know what those three players have in common? They all have a gold jacket. It's time Holt joins them. He led the league in receiving twice (2000, 2003) and is the only wide receiver named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-2000s Team not in the Hall of Fame. 

5. Offensive guard Jahri Evans

The 12-year offensive lineman is one of nine guards in NFL history to be named first-team All-Pro at least four times and have six Pro Bowl appearances. The others — with the exception of current Cowboys guard Zack Martin — are enshrined in Canton. Evans, who starred for the New Orleans Saints, is part of an illustrious group, including Gene Upshaw, John Hannah, Bruce Matthews, Randall McDaniel, Larry Allen, Alan Faneca and Steve Hutchinson, and deserves to hear his name called on Thursday night.