Bryan Thomas

Will start at outside linebacker and build on his 2010 season when he recorded 6.0 sacks

Penciled in to start at left outside linebacker, but a marginal IDP on the heels of a 57-tackle, 5.5-sack campaign in 2008.

2007 was a down year for Thomas. He saw his sack total drop from a career high of 8.5 in 2006 to 2.5 in 2007. Another troubling trend was a decrease in his tackle total. Thomas proved in 2006 that he has the ability to put up quality numbers, but don't expect him to match the career highs that were set. Thomas should fall somewhere between the past two seasons' totals.

Perhaps no one benefited more than Thomas when coach Eric Mangini instituted a 3-4 defense. Thomas, who never showed the technique or refinement necessary to be successful as a down lineman, stepped back, stood up as an outside linebacker and used his mobility and athleticism to be an intriguing pick in leagues that still listed him as a lineman. Fewer leagues will do that this year, but the Jets have the personnel to switch between the 3-4 and 4-3, so his listing here is somewhat legit. His amazing 2006 season included just two games with fewer than four fantasy points, and he had three in each of those. That's what happens when you have 77 tackles spread over all games. He has to prove that last year wasn't a fluke, but what a year it was. Would you turn your nose up at the No. 6 lineman from last year?

The former first-round pick is going to see work as a pass-rushing linebacker in 2006, after spending the last few seasons at defensive end. Thomas has just 6.5 sacks in 61 pro games, but perhaps the new regime can unlock some upside here.

Could start if John Abraham's contract and injury battles continue. Otherwise, he will serve as backup.

Top pick in 2002 hasn't lived up to his billing as a pass-rushing machine, but could be poised for a break-out in 2004.

Thomas, last year's number one pick, struggled to keep his weight up last season and had a disappointing rookie campaign. His weight is where it should be now and with his speed and pass-rushing ability, he appears poised to break out in 2003.