At some point, John Lynch's consistency will likely pay off with an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

That could happen Saturday.

Lynch is among 15 modern-era finalists being considered by the 46-person selection committee to be part of the Class of 2016. This is Lynch's fourth year of eligibility and second year in a row as a finalist.

The former safety was a big hitter during his 15-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos, but to only remember him that way is short-changing one of the best defensive backs in NFL history. Yes, Lynch did deliver big hits, but he also was a smart, reliable and productive player who consistently performed at a high level for a long time.

Lynch made at least 90 tackles in nine seasons and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, which is tied for the second-most at the position behind Hall of Famer Ken Houston. Lynch also was named to three consecutive All-Pro teams (1999-01) with the Bucs, and he ranks fifth in team history in games played (164) and tackles (973).

Lynch was a key piece of a Bucs defense that led the team to a Super Bowl XXXVII title by holding their three playoff opponents (San Francisco, Philadelphia and Oakland) to an average of 270 yards and 12.3 points per game. Two other members of that defense -- defensive tackle Warren Sapp (2013) and linebacker Derrick Brooks (2014) -- are already in the Hall of Fame.

After an 11-year career in Tampa, Lynch spent four seasons in Denver, where he started 59 of 60 games before retiring following the 2007 season.