Chiefs Report: '09 Projected Starters on Defense and Special Teams

There have been many questions about the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs defense, and who will start for KC. In this second installment of '09 Chiefs projected starters, I will address the defense and special teams.

Projected Starters: Defense

Left End: Tyson Jackson

The Chiefs have some high hopes for their 2009 1st round selection Tyson Jackson. Many pencil him in as a starter on the D-Line, and he should be a major upgrade at a definite position of need for KC.

Nose Tackle: Tank Tyler

Tyler played in all 16 of KC's games last season, and as the season went on, he began to show signs of life by producing double teams from opposing offenses. He should continue to improve for the Chiefs, if he doesn't, Ron Edwards or Alex Magee are there to gladly replace him.

Right End: Glen Dorsey

Many have already proclaimed Dorsey as a bust after his average to below average rookie season in '08. Dorsey needs to start elevating his game by getting to the QB more to prove that he his not another wasted pick.

Left Outside Linebacker: Tamba Hali

The new regime is hoping that switching Hali from End to Linebacker will help his game improve from his torrid season last year. We will find out soon if they are right.

Right Outside Linebacker: Mike Vrabel

The longtime veteran Vrabel was traded to the Chiefs along with Cassel during this past off-season, and he should have an immediate impact on the defense as a whole. If he has a season like he did in '07, look out for this defense.

Left Inside Linebacker: Zach Thomas

The seven-time pro-bowler Thomas will bring leadership and a winning attitude that this defense has been missing for many years. Barring injury, he should start every game this season.

Right Inside Linebacker: Derrick Johnson

DJ hopes to make a splash as the Chiefs switch to a 3-4 defense this season. It won't hurt to have two solid LBs in Vrabel and Thomas around him this year.

Left Cornerback: Brandon Carr

Carr played very well last season in his rookie year, and paired with Brandon Flowers, should create one of the better young CB tandems in the league.

Right Cornerback: Brandon Flowers

Flowers showed some of his game-changing ability last season at times, including picking Brett Favre twice during one game. He will continue to progress and be the lock-down corner that the Chiefs have needed for so long.

Free Safety: Jarrad Page

Page has been the most solid contributor to the Kansas City secondary over the past few years and is known for his hard hits on opposing receivers.

Strong Safety: Mike Brown

This position was locked down last year by Bernard Pollard, however a new safety is in town, Mike Brown. He is a very dominant safety when healthy, and under Haley's conditioning, he should be in great shape to start for the Chiefs this year.

Projected Starters: Special Teams

Kicker: Ryan Succop

This position was somewhat of a question until the Chiefs let go second-year Connor Barth, and now it appears to be Succop's job to lose.

Punter: Dustin Colquitt

No doubt about this position, Colquitt has shown signs of being a great punter in the past and he has the talent to continue that this year.

Kick Returner: Quentin Lawrence

Scott Pioli appears to have got a major steal in this years draft in drafting the speedy Lawrence. This kid can flat out fly, and if he gets in the open field, its a quick six.

Punt Returner: Quentin Lawrence

No change here, as Lawrence should have both returner positions locked up because of his blazing speed and quickness.