Tyler Brayton

Brayton started all 16 games in his first season with the Panthers and had 40 tackles along with a career-high 4.5 sacks. Working opposite Julius Peppers certainly helped, but Brayton came on strong with three of his sacks over the final four regular season games. His playing time will be determined by the uncertain return of Julius Peppers, as Charles Johnson will be in the mix for a starting job with Brayton if there's only one spot available.

Brayton was a disappointment during a five-year stay in Oakland after being selected in the first round of the 2003 draft by the Raiders. Still, the Panthers were among the teams interested in him after his college days at Colorado and he'll be in the mix competing for the starting defensive end spot opposite Julius Peppers during training camp. In a new system with the ability to play the same position consistently, Brayton could surprise in Carolina.

Starting left DE

Brayton had a rough third season in 2005, recording only 16 tackles in 16 games and posting only one sack. There was some talk that new coach Art Shell would try moving Brayton to linebacker, but that does not appear to be a realistic possibility. Brayton is currently slotted back in his starting defensive end position and will have every opportunity to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks with Derrick Burgess drawing attention on the other end of the line.

With the team going back to a 4-3 base defense, Brayton is penciled in as the starter at defensive end. Despite his meager 2004 totals, the third-year pro comes with upside and is worthy of keeping an eye on for the individual defensive player leagues.

Brayton is on a mission to improve this season from his disappointing two sacks from 2003. The team is high on him and he's looked good during the offseason minicamps. The Raiders are improved on the defensive line with Warren Sapp and Ted Washington plugging the middle. Brayton should be able to capitalize on their presence and improve his sack totals.