Kansas City Chiefs: 6 Players Who Could Make the Pro Bowl in 2012

Over the last few seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs have seen an up-and-down trend when it comes to the success of its team and individual player's statistical output. This pattern has created an imbalance when it comes to the number of Chiefs players that have been selected to the Pro Bowl as well.

Last year’s injury riddled season halted the momentum of Kansas City’s 2010 AFC West division championship in which they sent five players to the Pro Bowl (Dwayne Bowe, Jamaal Charles, Brian Waters, Eric Berry and Matt Cassel) compared to just two last season (Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson).

With key players coming back from injury and a few subtle acquisitions this offseason, the Chiefs look to regain their division title. In so doing, several individual players could see a jump in production, resulting in being named to the Pro Bowl.

Here are six Kansas City Chiefs who could make the Pro Bowl in 2012.

Branden Albert

The young left tackle out of the University of Virginia has shown steady progress since his rookie season in 2008. And early talk of him not being able to handle the quarterback’s blind side in the NFL has long been forgotten.

With four full seasons under his belt, Branden Albert is ready to take the next step in becoming one of the best left tackles in the league. However, the biggest factor in Albert’s developmental process could be the offseason signing of right tackle Eric Winston.

With help on the opposite side, pressure on Albert will be alleviated while transforming the entire offensive line into a more cohesive unit. Throw in the fact that the offense looks to be more balanced with a healthy Jamaal Charles and the addition of Peyton Hillis, and Albert could make his first trip to Honolulu.

Dwayne Bowe

Already having made a trip to Hawaii in 2010 following a monster season in which he caught 72 passes for 1,162 yards and 15 touchdowns, Dwayne Bowe saw a slight dip in his overall production in 2011 as he hauled in only five touchdowns on 1,159 yards through 81 receptions.

The decline in his numbers can be directly attributed to the turmoil that seemed to plague the entire Kansas City Chiefs organization all season long. Injuries to key players and a lack of preparation prevented any momentum that the players and team tried to carry over from their 2010 success.

However, with a healthy roster and a full complement of offensive weapons, Bowe should be able to have his way on the field. Not to mention, unless he and the Chiefs agree to a long-term deal he will be playing for a contract this season.

Tamba Hali

Since the Kansas City Chiefs moved to a 3-4 defense prior to the 2009 season, Tamba Hali has been one of the more productive outside linebackers in the league, having sacked the quarterback 35 times and recorded 12 forced fumbles.

Hali’s consistency outside of the pass rush has allowed him to become a more complete player than most thought he could be. Some were skeptical that the switch to the 3-4 defense would bring to light a deficiency in stopping the run, but the improved play of Derrick Johnson in the middle along with the emergence of Justin Houston on the opposite side have really made the defensive philosophy switch into a smooth transition.

With the Chiefs looking to continue to add depth and key players on the defensive side of the ball, look for Hali to continue to step up his production and make a return trip to the Pro Bowl.

Eric Winston

The Kansas City Chiefs made it a priority this offseason to acquire a more stable presence at right tackle after multiple failed experiments (highlighted by Barry Richardson).

The signing of Eric Winston to play opposite of Branden Albert will give the Chiefs a couple of very nice bookends to its offensive line for the foreseeable future.

With Jamaal Charles back from injury and Peyton Hillis coming in as the complementary back, the Chiefs look to have a more balanced offensive attack.

Having played in and started every game since 2007, Winston will be able to step in and provide an immediate veteran presence. And if 2010 is any indication, Winston could reap major rewards by being named to his first Pro Bowl.

Brandon Flowers

Since being drafted in 2008, Brandon Flowers has continued to make strides towards becoming one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Its tough to say how much having Brandon Carr opposite him over the years had helped, but Flowers still has seen his fair share of work.

The addition of Stanford Routt is a wild card because most fans had grown accustomed to the two Brandons manning opposing wide outs.

However if Flowers, being a well-rounded cornerback (223 tackles in four seasons), can continue to progress at the rate that we have seen, he should start garnering the respect of not only the opposing offense but Pro Bowl voters as well.

Derrick Johnson

Derrick Johnson has had a very turbulent career since being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2005. But since breaking out of former head coach Todd Haley’s doghouse and the defense switching to a 3-4 scheme, Johnson has flourished as a middle linebacker.

Known for his playmaking ability out of college, Johnson hasn’t skipped a beat, pulling in nine career interceptions and scoring three touchdowns.

Without a solid complement next to him in the middle of the 3-4 defense, Johnson was able to make his first Pro Bowl last season. And if the Chiefs can add that piece via the draft or free agency prior to this season, Johnson will be freed up that much more to make the plays that could result in multiple Pro Bowls for years to come.

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