Yahoo News : The NFL’s soon-to-be stars – the defense (Yahoo! Spo

[Coach]

Every season, there are players just waiting to bust out and be contributors on an elite level. Based on an unusual amount of lockout-related time to watch tape and crunch stats, here are eight defensive players we believe will … Continue reading ->

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[chief31]

Two Chiefs on the list....

Brandon Carr(notes), CB, Kansas City Chiefs

When discussing the Chiefs' secondary, most of the attention goes to safety Eric Berry(notes) and cornerback Brandon Flowers(notes), which is understandable — both are standout players. But it's unwise to sleep on Carr, who ranked third-best among qualifying cornerbacks in our recent "Burn Rate" series, and who finished higher than Flowers in Football Outsiders' Success Rate totals last season. He's a quick defender who complements the efforts of Flowers, Berry, and the up-and-coming safety Kendrick Lewis(notes). At this rate, the Chiefs could have the best pass defense in the NFL sooner than later — and Carr's a huge part of that.

Wallace Gilberry(notes), DE, Kansas City Chiefs

Of course, Kansas City's biggest defensive star over the last few seasons has been edge rusher Tamba Hali(notes). Unfortunately for Hali, he's also been in the minority when it comes to Chiefs players able to rush the pass consistently — before the 2010 season, he often led in the "hurries without help" category for sack leaders with little help from the other side. But Gilberry's ascent in 2010 allowed Hali to have his best season to date, and if he can continue what he did last season (seven sacks, seven quarterback hits, 10 hurries), the Chiefs are in good shape up front, as well.