Readers get chance to argue for their HOF candidates

	The Bills' special-teams star Steve Tasker played in seven Pro Bowls. Al Bello/Getty Images
	RELATED • KING: Ten players who belong in Hall of Fame • Ranking the top 10 offenses of the last 25 years
	MAILBAG Peter King will answer your questions each week in Monday Morning Quarterback: Tuesday Edition. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

When writing a column on the 10 players who deserve to get into the Hall of Fame, there's always the risk that you're going to forget someone. And I did.

Big, big, big apologies to Steve Tasker.

Jon Burlew, of Somerset, Ky., said Tasker was his best guy not in, and while I wouldn't put Tasker higher than third on my list (behind only Thurman Thomas and Mick Tingelhoff), I am an ardent advocate for the best special-teams player of all time making the Hall.

Quite a statement, but let me ask you this: If special-teams plays are about 20 percent of the game and someone is the best in history in that particular niche, doesn't that person belong? Tasker was the best special-teamer of all time -- of that I am sure. And I will continue to advocate for his spot in Canton.

Now on to other e-mails. And this is a big surprise: I got 16 million pieces of mail saying Art Monk should be in.

THURMAN SHOULD BE LOCK CITY. From Jason of Lacey Township, N.J.: "Thurman Thomas' numbers from 1989 to 1996 make me wish I had been involved in fantasy football back then. He was a brilliant runner and great receiver out of the backfield. He deserves a spot in the Hall. If Buffalo had given him a bit more attention in those four Super Bowls, they might have won one or two: 1990, 15 carries; 1991, 10 carries; 1992, 11 carries; 1993, 16 carries. What genius approves an offensive game plan that drastically reduces the number of times you put the ball in the hands of (arguably) your most explosive player? The Tuna never would've let that happen. That's why Bill Parcells has two rings and Marv Levy doesn't.''

I can't argue with anything you said. In fact, I agree with it word for word.

SOME VERY GOOD NAMES I MISSED. From Michael Siegel, of Rye, N.Y.: "Excellent job on missing HOFers. A few more to consider: Joe Klecko (a premier lineman who was All-Pro at DT, DE and NT), Gene Hickerson and Jim Tyrer (outstanding offensive linemen for some top teams of their era -- is Tyrer's sad ending the only reason he is not in?), Otis Taylor (the prototype for the big and fast wideout), Chuck Howley (best and most well-rounded OLB of his era), Cliff Harris (still one of the greatest safeties I ever saw) and Buddy Parker (how does the head coach of one of the greatest teams of all time, the '50s Lions, get left off? His Steelers years were one of the few bright spots of that team's pre-Noll era).''

Tyrer is not in because I think he belongs in the Hall of Very Good. It has nothing to do with his demise. I have always liked Klecko, but I don't think he's going to make it either.

WHITHER BOB HAYES? From Terence Huffman of Indian Head, Md.: "My Hall of Fame comment is about Bob Hayes. He doesn't seem to have a lot of support. However, if you look at his numbers, they are almost identical to Lynn Swann's. No, Hayes didn't make spectacular Super Bowl catches, but he did revolutionize the game with his speed and was a player that defenses had to account for at all times. Zone defenses were created almost solely because of 'Bullet Bob.' He, like Michael Irvin, was plagued by off-field problems. Your thoughts?''

He's a very interesting candidate. I think he's another player who belongs in the Hall of Very Good. I did not support him two years ago when he was up for election as one of the Seniors Committee's nominees because I'm not among those who thinks he "changed the game,'' which is the popular sentiment among his supporters. Hayes did not force the advent of zone defenses exclusively. In fact, I'm not sure he was a more feared football player than Homer Jones, another speedster from the '60s who played with the Giants. And I believe speed was coming to football. It didn't come simply because everyone was trying to copy what Hayes did for the Cowboys.