5 Chiefs That Could Be First-Time Pro Bowlers
The 2012 Kansas City Chiefs are loaded with talent but there are five players that stand out as potential first-time Pro Bowlers.
Last week we had a poll asking you which rookies you thought might be able to make the Pro Bowl. This week, let’s take a look at the top five candidates that could enjoy their first Pro Bowl season in 2012.
#5: Jonathan Baldwin
Baldwin is a long-shot given his less than stellar rookie season but he definitely has the talent to make it to the Pro Bowl. The early buzz out of OTAs is that Baldwin is making a lot of highlight reel catches. If he can do that consistently once the pads are put on, the Chiefs could have an absolute beast and a first time Pro Bowler on their hands.
#4. Branden Albert
Albert has been a solid left tackle since entering the NFL but he has never been mentioned as a potential Pro Bowl candidate. Albert is 27 and will turn 28 in November. He’s got plenty of experience and he should be blocking with the best line the Chiefs have had since he was drafted in 2008. He’ll also be blocking for two terrific running backs in Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis. If Albert is ever going to make the Pro Bowl jump, 2012 will likely be his time.
#3. Kendrick Lewis
Kendrick Lewis was not a name very familiar to Chiefs fans when he was selected in the 5th round of the 2010 NFL draft. Most thought he’d be a depth player after the team selected Eric Berry in the first round.
Most were wrong.
Lewis got into the starting lineup rather quickly and he has since established himself as one of the better young free safeties in the NFL. Lewis looked quite good last season leading a decimated safety group. His task should only get easier with the return of Eric Berry in 2012. With the KC defense expected to be formidable, Lewis could be the beneficiary of many an errant pass. That could lead to a Pro Bowl bid.
#2. Justin Houston
Justin Houston came on so strongly at the end of last season that KC fans are frothing at the mouth to see what he’ll do after a full offseason. With Tamba Hali providing pressure on one side and Dontari Poe eating up the middle, QB’s may have no choice but to flee in the direction of Houston n 2012. That could mean a trip to Hawaii for the second-year player.
#1. Brandon Flowers
It is hard to believe that a player as good as Flowers has not yet been to a Pro Bowl but it is true. Thanks to some extremely deep CB depth in the AFC, Flowers has often been overlooked in the Pro Bowl voting. The former second-round pick has also had some consistency issues though many believe this is more to do with Flowers playing through injuries than his actual talent level. Regardless, if there is any one player on the Chiefs’ roster with the talent and ability to make his first Pro Bowl in 2012, it is Brandon Flowers.
What do you think Addicts? Which players do you think have the best shot of making their first Pro Bowl in 2012?