Bill Parcells will have to wait.

The Patriots announced on Thursday that linebacker Mike Vrabel, running back Kevin Faulk and cornerback Raymond Clayborn have been named finalists to be elected into the team's Hall of Fame.

Media, Patriots alumni and team staff met on April 6 to discuss potential finalists and then vote for the top-three contenders. Now that this year's trio has been chosen, fans will have the chance to vote online for the winner.

Vrabel, Faulk, and Clayborn beat out other potential finalists, which included Parcells, offensive tackle Matt Light, safety Rodney Harrison and offensive lineman Leon Gray.

Clayborn is a finalist for the third consecutive year, while Vrabel and Faulk are finalists for the first time. Faulk and Light became eligible for the Hall for the first time this year. Vrabel and Harrison became eligible last year.

Clayborn played for the Patriots between 1977 and 1989 and was named to three Pro Bowls (1983, 1985, 1986) in that span. Drafted by the Patriots out of the University of Texas in the first round, he went on to become the franchise leader in interceptions (36), which was later tied by Ty Law in 2004.

Faulk played 13 seasons in New Englnad, and retired as the team's all-time leader in all-purpose yards. He ranks fifth in franchise history in rushing yards and receptions, and he's the team's all-time leading return specialist, racking up over 5,000 yards on punt and kick returns. One indication of the three-time Super Bowl champion's well-rounded skill set is that he is one of just six backs in the 2000s to have rushed for more than 3,000 yards and accumulated 3,000 yards receiving. The others? Tiki Barber, Marshall Faulk, LaDanian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook and Michael Pittman.

Vrabel was without doubt one of the most versatile players on New England's three Super Bowl championship teams in 2001, 2003 and 2004. He started at both inside and outside linebacker during his Patriots career. He also played on special teams and served as a tight end in certain situations. All 10 of his receptions went for touchdowns, including scores in the team's back-to-back Super Bowl wins.

Listen to Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry's podcast leading up to the Patriots Hall of Fame nominations, including an interview with Patriots Hall of Famer Troy Brown (22:41 mark), via the player below. Or search CSNNE on iTunes.

https://soundcloud.com/csnne/quick-slants-the-podcast-ep-47-patriots-hall-of-fame