Anthony Thomas

After a disappointing 2005, Thomas is looking for a second chance. Coach Dick Jauron coached Thomas for three of his four years at Chicago. During those four years, Thomas gained 3,332 yards which ranks him fifth in Bears history. Shaud Williams was Willis McGahee's understudy last year, but fits better as a third-down back. If Thomas can impress enough during the late summer, the number two back job is his for the taking, though the Bills do have some promising younger runners in the mix as well. Perhaps the veteran Thomas can even motivate McGahee a bit more. Update: Thomas ended up beating out Lionel Gates and will start the season as the No. 2 back.

Former 1000-yard runner will likely be a short-yardage specialist behind Julius Jones. Could have some value in TD leagues.

Thomas is not the same player that ran for 1183 yards and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2001. He's second on the depth chart behind Thomas Jones. Coach Smith brought in Jones because he fit better into the Bears new offensive system that employs backs as receivers. Thomas has sub-par hands - only 9 catches last year. Thomas will still get some carries and be the goal-line battering ram, but temper expectations. If Jones reverts to his forgettable Arizona days, Thomas might get another shot at the starting gig. If you draft Jones, get Thomas as insurance.

Thomas, who managed just 3.4 yards a carry, consistently made poor decisions last season and was painfully slow hitting the hole. It didn't help Thomas' case when Adrian Peterson managed 5.3 yards a carry in a brief audition late in the year. Although the coaching staff promised that Peterson will get “an equal look” in training camp, the Bears will give Thomas every chance to win his job back in 2003, Chicago's offensive line should be improved, and Thomas' fantasy value will come at a major discount after last year's train wreck. Get a glimpse of the A-Train in summer camp before you pony up for him, to be sure, but don't let him completely fall off your radar screen, either.