The breakdown of this year's potential breakthrough players

TERRELL THOMASCornerback, Giants jerseys

Thomas, in his third year out of USC, was penciled into the starting lineup after fellow corner Aaron Ross suffered a hamstring injury. When Ross got healthy, he didn't slide back into his position but was moved to safety. That was a testament to how well Thomas played in relief.

Thomas, who had five interceptions and 13 pass breakups last season, is not only a fundamentally sound player with good instincts, but also a playmaker. He does a great job muscling slot receivers, so it's likely he'll move inside quite a bit.

STEPHEN BOWENDefensive end, new Cowboys jerseys

The smiling, baby-faced Bowen doesn't look the part of defensive menace, at least in the locker room. He can create havoc, though, and good things frequently happen for the Cowboys when he's on the field.

Bowen is a dangerous third-down pass rusher who had three sacks and 33 pressures last season. His role could increase this year, as the Cowboys seem to be phasing out defensive end Marcus Spears. In an ominous sign for Spears, a first-round pick in 2005, his new deal will pay him $1.23 million this season, considerably less than the twin $1.75-million deals just received by backups Bowen (undrafted, 2006) and Jason Hatcher (third round, 2006).

DARIUS BUTLERCornerback, Patriots jerseys

When you play in the same division as receivers such as Brandon Marshall, Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards, you need consistent play in the secondary. Butler will give that to the Patriots, who often struggled there last season.

Butler, a second-round pick in 2009 out of Connecticut, is an upgrade at right corner from Shawn Springs, 35, who's really showing his age. Butler also is a far more reliable option at the spot than Jonathan Wilhite.

Leigh Bodden is still New England's best corner, and first-rounder Devin McCourty is a promising rookie, but the opportunity is there for Butler to step into the spotlight.

JUSTIN FORSETTRunning back, Seahawks

Forsett, in his third season out of Cal, is everything LenDale White wasn't — undersized, dedicated, productive, and an instant Pete Carroll favorite.

The Seahawks had the league's 26th-ranked running game last season, but they might have been much more effective had they put the ball in Forsett's hands. The 5-foot-8, 194-pound back averaged 5.4 yards in 114 carries with four touchdowns, and caught 41 balls out of the backfield. He was far more explosive than Julius Jones, who was limited to fewer than 50 yards in more than half of his starts last season.

DASHON GOLDSON Safety, 49ers jerseys

If San Francisco is going to compete for the NFC West title this season, it's going to be on the strength of its defense. Goldson has Pro Bowl potential in a secondary that hasn't made a lot of big plays in recent years.