I don't recall Thompson actually saying he wanted 4 starter; I believe that was something Arrigo posted...? Anyways, I'm going to take a shot at this with the expectation we get 4 players who contribute something this year...
You'd think Bulaga and Burnett are sure to get some playing time this year. That Darren Perry outright said it is very possible that Burnett starts is telling, IMO. Plus, Cliffy will get injured at some point.
One player who I think is going under the radar is TE Andrew Quarless. I've yet to read one comment from a scout that questions whether this kid has the talent to make it. All of them wonder if he can stay out of trouble. Seeing Coach McAdoo work really well to mature a very young Finley, I'll take my chances and say Quarless will be a player. (FYI, Imagine for a second two guys in Finley and Quarless who are 6-5, run less than 4.6 40, and have some WR ability to them.... can you imagine the dominance if Quarless pans out? *drools*)
That leaves one spot. You think one of the two DEs (2nd round pick Neal, at least) would be of use. I mean come on, we were basically using a miscast 4-3 DE in Montgomery and an in-over-his-head rookie in Wynn at times. You think having Neal, at least, would mean some sort of rotation so your two starting Ends don't play about 80% of the snaps.
I think there is definitely room for four players to emerge from this class and contribute at least a little. The more I read about RB James Stark, the more it seems to me that he'll have a legit chance to stick.
But this drapth goes very, very far in securing our depth. That can't be understated.
The NFL: Where Greg Jennings Happens.