Kansas City Chiefs: Tamba Hali, and the 5 Most Unheralded Players on the Team

Today in sports, fans and media always talk about who is overrated and underrated.

Before the 2010 season, every Kansas City Chiefs fan would agree that Jamaal Charles was the most unheralded player in the league. Charles has graduated from that discussion and is now viewed as an elite running back in the eyes of many spectators.

Kansas City did win the AFC West last season, but there are still a few players on the roster who are not receiving the recognition they deserve.

Chiefs Offensive Line

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 14: (L-R) Offensive linemen Barry Richardson #67, Ryan Lilja #65, Casey Wiegmann #62, Brian Waters #54 and Brandon Albert #76 of the Kansas City Chiefs head to the line of scrimmage to face the Denver Broncos defense at INVESCO Field at

Many Chiefs fans were disappointed to see Brian Waters as the only offensive lineman on the team get sent to the Pro Bowl.

Even with his tremendous speed, Charles knows he can’t gain all of those yards without the help of all his blockers.

Offensive tackles Branden Albert and Barry Richardson often worked with a tight end lining up beside them. Once the ball was snapped, the tackles and the tight end were successful in picking up blocks and creating a hole while Charles took many of his rushes to the outside, helping him earn a 6.4 yard per carry average last season.

Casey Wiegmann and Ryan Lilja were signed in the offseason and also contributed in helping the Chiefs lead the league in rushing. USA Today placed Lilja on the 2010 All-Joe Team.

While the rushing game was dominant, Matt Cassel also benefited from the offensive line. Cassel was sacked 26 times last season after being sacked 42 times in 2009.

Derrick Johnson, MLB

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball in for a touchdown after making an interception during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missour

Anyone who has followed Derrick Johnson's career will tell you this was the best season he has ever had.

In his first season playing under defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, Johnson led the team in tackles for the first time since being drafted out of the University of Texas. Johnson set career highs in tackles and pass deflections in 2010, and he also forced four fumbles and took one interception for a touchdown.

Despite not receiving a lot of recognition from football fans outside of Kansas City, he did earn a spot on the USA Today's All-Joe team.

Wallace Gilberry, DE

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 31: Wallace Gilberry #92 of the Kansas City Chiefs strips the ball from the hands of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills during the game on October 31, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Pho

Wallace Gilberry is not only underrated by NFL fans outside of Kansas City, but he’s also underrated in Kansas City.

Gilberry started two games for the Chiefs in 2010 while serving as Glenn Dorsey’s backup. He quietly was second on the team in sacks for the second consecutive year and also forced two fumbles last season as a back-up.

Although he is getting the job done as a 3-4 defensive end, he's still not getting a lot of face time from the local media.

Gilberry has made more progress at his position compared to first-round draft picks Tyson Jackson and Dorsey. If Gilberry is given the chance to start, his numbers could rise, and he’ll finally get the attention he deserves.

Brandon Flowers, CB

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12: Brandon Flowers #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs at the line of scrimmage against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Football fans judge most defensive backs by how many interceptions they can register in a season.

Brandon Flowers only intercepted two passes last season, which came in Weeks 2 and 3. It’s obvious he needs to improve and remain consistent in that category. While takeaways are a big part of a defensive back’s success, Brandon Flowers has found other ways to make an impact.

Flowers made an impression in several games with his ability to tackle in the open field. After a receiver caught a pass, Flowers was there to immediately take them down and limit them in the amount of yards they could gain after a catch.

With the Chiefs drafting Justin Houston this offseason to help improve the pass-rush, Flowers hopes to increase his takeaway total next season.

Tamba Hali, OLB

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 28: Linebacker Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after recovering a fumble on a sack of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Gr

Tamba Hali has to be one of the most underrated defensive players in the league today.

He received a Pro Bowl invitation after Steelers linebacker James Harrison had to prepare for the Super Bowl. Hali had to miss the Pro Bowl though due to multiple minor injuries, including both of his shoulders.

Hali led the AFC in sacks with 14.5 in 2010. He also forced four fumbles and came away with two recoveries. In the postseason loss against Baltimore, Hali sacked Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco twice; on his first sack, Hali forced a fumble and recovered it himself.

When it came to All-Pro NFL honors though, Hali did not earn enough votes to make it on the first or second team.

Next season will be Hali’s sixth year in the league, but only his third playing outside linebacker after spending his first three years as a defensive end under a 4-3 scheme.