Courtney Brown and LaVar Arrington were teammates at Penn State who planned to divide and conquer in the NFL.

Brown was the first pick in the 2000 draft and figured to be to the Cleveland Browns what Bruce Smith was to the Buffalo Bills, a dominating pass-rushing defensive end who would also hold up well against the run. Arrington, the second choice in the 2000 draft, became the prize of Redskins owner Dan Snyder, who was looking for the next Lawrence Taylor at linebacker.

As Brown and Arrington enter Year 3, it's time for them to breakthrough, and they head the list of five breakthrough players for the 2002 season.

Brown ready to shine

	Brown

Brown benefits from an improved surrounding cast that should allow him to get into a pass-rushing groove. Brown has had only nine sacks in his first two seasons. As a rookie, he was still learning the plays, and he couldn't just rely on his natural instincts. Last year, ankle and knee problems held him back. The emergence of Gerard Warren as a dominating defensive tackle and the addition of Kenard Lang to a line that also has Orpheus Roye at tackle should mean less double teaming of Brown.

Expect big things from Arrington

	Arrington

Arrington benefits from the addition of defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis, who made Ray Lewis a superstar in Baltimore and coached numerous Pro Bowl linebackers with the Steelers. Lewis plans to put Arrington in position to make big plays. During his first two seasons, he recorded only one sack and had three interceptions. The additions of middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and Jessie Armstead give Arrington the luxury of being featured on more blitzes.

Brooks should rebound

	Brooks

The Saints' Aaron Brooks should be this season's breakout quarterback. A year ago, he trained his mind for the competition against Jeff Blake but didn't build his body for the marathon. After throwing 19 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in the first 12 games, his weight dropped to 208 pounds and he finished the season with 11 interceptions in the final four games. Brooks was so fatigued he fell asleep on the floor of his home after practices. In the offseason he built his body into the 220s. Coach Jim Haslett added speed to the passing attack with the additions of Donte Stallworth and Jerome Pathon to go with Pro Bowl deep threat Joe Horn.

Robinson ready for second-year emergence

	Robinson

Seattle's Koren Robinson was like most underclassmen wide receivers last season, inconsistent and overwhelmed. Robinson has bounced back from a 39-catch rookie season by smoothing out his route running and showing Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren he deserved to be a top 10 choice. Robinson is a 6-foot-1 receiver with breakaway skills. He teams up with Darrell Jackson to give Trent Dilfer enough at wide receiver to compete against the Rams and 49ers in the NFC West.

Clements fits the bill

	Clements

Cornerback Nate Clements of the Bills is the final breakthrough player, but he started to look like a Pro Bowler in the second half of last season. Because of the Bills weakness in their front seven, coach Gregg Williams needs a coverage cornerback who is physical enough to help on the run. Clements fits that bill, no pun intended.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.