Jets 2017 Roster Breakdown: Can Lawrence Thomas Help Provide Defensive Line Depth?

We continue our countdown of the 2017 Jets roster today with defensive lineman Lawrence Thomas.

Name: Lawrence Thomas

Number: 97

Year with Jets: 2nd

Projected Role: Competing for a backup defensive line spot in training camp

His 2016: Thomas rode a surprisingly strong preseason into a spot on the opening day roster. The undrafted Michigan State product even earned some playing time in the Week 1 loss to the Bengals with Sheldon Richardson serving a suspension. He actually had a pair of big tackles on Cincinnati’s final drive. If Darrelle Revis had not been beaten for a completion to set up a field goal on the final Bengals offensive play from scrimmage, we might have remembered Thomas as one of the heroes of the win. Unfortunately for Thomas, he was unable to build on that initial success as a labrum injury led to him being placed on injured reserve after the Week 3 loss to the Chiefs.

2017 will be a success if: Thomas once again makes the team and plays quality football as a rotational player. He can’t be considered a roster lock, but his impressive work a year ago in camp and the preseason likely gives him a leg up.

Odds of making the roster: More likely than not (50-75%)