I don't dispute that Art Monk was a very good receiver. He had a long career, he was a complete receiver that did everything right, he showed up to play every game.
The point that hurts him, as Mr. King illustrates in #3; In a 16 year career, Monk was elected all-pro twice, and made three pro bowls. It's tough to make all-pro with Jerry Rice in the same conference, but only making three pro bowls in 16 years really hurts Monk's case. That means for most of his career, Monk wasn't one of the top four receivers in his conference. While Monk had a very good career, he wasn't considered the best amongst his peers at his position.
That makes Mike Alstott a first ballot HOFer as he was always the top at his position - always in the Pro Bowl. Monk was part of that running game and one the best blockers at his position. The All Pro issue is part of the same blind spot he is subject to now. In 15 playoff games - 69 catches, over 1,000 yards, 7 TDers. Thanks for letting me vent on this forum and and the goog dive and take. If Michael Irvin gets in - Gary Clark needs to get in (same state almost exactly). If Clark is in - do you leave Monk out?