Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles, Other Chiefs Who Will Make the 2012 Pro Bowl

For Kansas City Chiefs fans, 2010 was a season filled with excitement and surprise. After winning only six games combined in 2008 and 2009, Kansas City brought home their first divisional title since 2003, finishing the season 10-6.

Kansas City’s turnaround can be attributed to a core group of young talent that played to the best of their abilities.

One of the most recognized players in this group is running back Jamaal Charles. Finishing the season with the second-best yards-per-carry average in NFL history, 2010 saw Charles selected to his first Pro Bowl.

Of course, Charles was not the only talent the Chiefs sent to Hawaii, and while he is guaranteed another Pro Bowl berth if he continues to play they way he has, there are several other players that will have their shot at the 2012 Pro Bowl.

Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs outruns Jason McCourty #30 of the Tennessee Titans after making a catch on a 75 yard touchdown play during the game on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City

In 2010, Dwayne Bowe finally lived up to his potential, providing a welcome relief to an otherwise anemic squad of receivers. Bowe was rewarded for his 15 touchdown receptions and 1,162 receiving yards with his first trip to Hawaii.

The Chiefs have made it a priority to improve their passing game this offseason, acquiring wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin in the first round of the draft.

Baldwin’s arrival will free Bowe from consistent double-coverage on pass plays, possibly allowing him more receptions. While Baldwin should become a solid NFL receiver, Bowe will still be Matt Cassel’s go-to man in the end zone.

If Bowe continues to build on a stellar 2010 season, expect him to return to the Pro Bowl next season and for the foreseeable future.

Brian Waters, Offensive Guard

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HONOLULU - FEBRUARY 12: Brian Waters #54 of the AFC is introduced before the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl against the NFC on February 12, 2006 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC won 23-17. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

At age 34, Brian Waters’ time in the NFL is limited, to say the least. But 2010 proved Waters has not lost a step, though, with his selection to his fifth-career Pro Bowl.

And 2011 will be yet another chance for Waters to prove his worth in the NFL.

With a running back like Jamaal Charles, Waters will be called on to perform run-blocking duties, a job that has proven to be his specialty in past years.

When the 2012 Pro Bowl comes around, do not be surprised to see Waters with another ticket to Hawaii.

Brandon Flowers, Cornerback

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Brandon Flowers #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Through his first three season, Brandon Flowers has been the epitome of consistency. Flowers ended 2010 with 65 tackles and two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. While many had Flowers on their list of Pro Bowl snubs last season, he has stayed under the radar to some football fans.

But 2011 could change that.

With the Chiefs’ difficult 2011 schedule, Flowers will be pitted against many of the league’s top passing games. If he is able to produce like he has in years past, Flowers will be able to prove himself on a national stage.

With the talent he has shown, it is easy to see how Flowers could end up representing the AFC this coming winter.

Tamba Hali, Linebacker

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12: Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a stop on third down against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

When coach Todd Haley arrived in Kansas City, one of the first moves he made was to move Tamba Hali from defensive end to linebacker.

Hali has not disappointed, earning a Pro Bowl selection last season after leading the AFC with 14.5 sacks, all while playing with an injured shoulder.

An improved Chiefs pass rush will be displayed in 2011, providing Hali with help getting past the offensive line. If defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel continues to use Hali primarily for pass-rushing, he could easily finish the season as one of the most productive linebackers in the league.

If this is the case, Hali will be headed to his second-career Pro Bowl.

Eric Berry, Safety

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Safety Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after breaking up a pass to tight end Todd Heap #86 of the Baltimore Ravens in the endzone during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on Janua

There is no better a way to cap off one’s rookie season than to be named to the Pro Bowl.

Eric Berry did just that in 2010, becoming the first Chiefs rookie selected since Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas.

Leading the team in interceptions and finishing second in tackles, Berry proved he belonged in the NFL in his first season. He also showed an incredible durability, playing every defensive snap in the 2010 season.

Berry should be able to build on his rookie season. If he does, he will be marked as one of the elite safeties in the NFL very quickly. A slew of Pro Bowl invitations should come his way in his career, and the 2011 season should get Berry to Hawaii.