Interesting quote from Houston Texans GM Rick Smith, via Peter King of SI.com:

"If you have a 53-man roster, maybe you've got 10 or 11 core players,'' Smith said, "and then 25 to 30 roles players, and then you're always looking to churn the bottom of the roster.''

Let's take his theory, apply it to the Chiefs and try to identify those 10 or 11 "core players".

Offensively, I'd have Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe and Eric Winston (even though he hasn't played a down for the Chiefs). I'm tempted to put Branden Albert here as well, and even the Chiefs interior offensive line.

Defensively, I'd pick Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry. Justin Houston is another consideration with the way he came on last year. The Chiefs "Secret superstars" could also be considered, as could Dontari Poe. That's almost the entire defense at this point.

For me there would be seven or eight solid role players and then a handful of guys on the fringe.

You get 10 players -- name the Chiefs core in the comments.