Three quarterbacks went in the first round of this year's draft.

That number could double next year.

An early entry of a player like Florida QB Rex Grossman can put the 2003 draft class over the top.(Allsport)

As we take an early peak toward the 2003 draft -- it's never too early, right? -- the thing that sticks out is the possibility it could be a draft loaded with franchise-type quarterbacks. Depending on which underclassmen passers enter the draft, as many as six quarterbacks could be considered first-round material.

The quarterback class could end up rivaling the heralded 1983 class that included John Elway, Dan Marino and Jim Kelly. That year, six went in the first round.

Could 2003 top it?

Possibly. The top two quarterbacks in next year's draft are expected to be Chris Simms of Texas and Marshall's Byron Leftwich. That can change, though. Fresno State's David Carr wasn't the top-rated quarterback heading into 2002, but he worked his way to the top of the draft class, becoming the No. 1 pick by Houston.

Five other seniors -- Louisville's Dave Ragone, Southern California's Carson Palmer, Miami's Ken Dorsey, Texas Tech's Kliff Kingsbury and UNLV's Jason Thomas -- all have a chance to earn first-round grades.

As for underclassmen, Mississippi's Eli Manning, Tennessee's Casey Clausen and Florida's Rex Grossman could also have first-round grades if they declare early.

This could be the quarterback class the league has been waiting for.

As for teams that already have pitchers, it will be a good chance to add a catcher. The receiver class will be a strong one -- especially if many of the underclassmen enter the draft. There could be as many as six receivers to go in the first round.

Among those players are Roy Williams of Texas, Charlie Rogers of Michigan State, Andre Johnson of Miami, Kareem Kelly of Southern California, Tennessee's Kelley Washington, Mike Bush of Washington State and Darius Watts of Marshall.

Lee Evans of Wisconsin would have been in that group, but he tore ligaments in his knee last week during the Badgers' spring game and will miss the 2002 season.

On defense, the pickings as far as pass-rush help are again likely to be slim. The best might be Cory Redding of Texas, Kenny King of Alabama, Dewayne White of Louisville and Jerome McDougle of Miami.

The cornerback class, another key spot, could be a decent one. Oregon State's Dennis Weathersby, Oklahoma's Andre Woolfolk, UCLA's Ricky Manning and Eugene Wilson of Illinois all have a chance to be first-round picks.

Mostly, though, it will be the year of the quarterback.

Isn't it about time?

Here are the top 10 overall prospects heading into 2002. This list does include underclassmen who could, conceivably, come out early:

1. Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall (Sr.) -- At 6-feet-6 and 235 pounds, Leftwich has a rocket for an arm. He plays in a wide-open system, which helps his numbers, but he's the real thing. The one knock on him might be level of competition. The pass rushers and corners he faces aren't exactly the best. But the NFL loves big-armed quarterbacks. He has that and more.
2. Chris Simms, QB, Texas (Sr.) -- Although he has been inconsistent in his career at Texas, Simms has a great feel for the game. The son of former Giants quarterback Phil Simms, he understands coverages and has a nice feel for the game. His arm isn't in the class with Leftwich, but it's still good enough. He does have to play better as a senior. Not having Major Applewhite looking over his shoulder will help.
3. William Joseph, DT, Miami (Sr.) -- He plays on one of the most talented lines in the country. In addition to McDougle, an end who could be a first-round pick, Vince Wilfork, the other starting tackle, might be the top overall pick in the 2004 draft. Joseph is 6-5, 295, and has that penetrating quickness you expect from Miami DTs. He is physical enough to hold up against the run, too.
4. Roy Williams, WR, Texas (Jr.) -- At 6-5, 210, he has the size and the speed to be a dominating NFL receiver. He has a long stride that makes it look effortless after he makes a catch. Would have even better numbers, but B.J. Johnson, the receiver on the other side, might also be a first-round pick.
5. Dennis Weathersby, CB, Oregon State (Sr.) -- He is an outstanding cover corner who has good size at 6-1, 206 pounds. Weathersby excels at man coverage in the Beavers' system, which calls for a lot of it. Has knocked down 44 passes to go with his four interceptions in three seasons. Teams don't challenge him much. Also an academic All-American.
6. Corey Redding, DE, Texas (Sr.) -- At 6-5, 280 pounds, Redding has the size that teams crave in their defensive ends. A senior, he's coming off a season in which he had five sacks, 18 pressures and 14 tackles for loss. He has started 24 consecutive games for the Longhorns. A former linebacker, he is still learning the position. He can also juggle pool balls, which says something about his hand-eye coordination.
7. Charlie Rogers, WR, Michigan State (Jr.) -- At 6-4, 202, Rogers is a big-play receiver. Rogers averaged an amazing 21.9 yards per catch on his 67 catches last season. He also averaged 122 yards per game receiving and scored 14 touchdowns. He will push Williams to be the top receiver taken. He can't be covered on the college level by one man.
8. E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland (Sr.) -- There were not many quality linebackers in this year's draft, but there will be at least one next year. At 6-2, 245 pounds, Henderson is a force in the middle of the Terrapins' defense. He considered entering this year's draft, but opted to return for his senior year. Might be the next great inside/middle linebacker.
9. Darnell Dockett, DT, Florida State (Jr.) -- He suffered a non-displaced fracture of his right kneecap late in FSU's bowl victory over Virginia Tech. There was no ligament damage, which means Dockett will be ready come fall. He did miss spring practice. At 6-4, 285, he has the quickness of a Warren Sapp and the nasty temperament teams like. He's the player that caused all the furor last season when the Gators claimed he twisted the legs of running back Earnest Graham during a pileup, a tactic that injured the Florida runner. A tough upbringing has made him a tough player -- the way it's supposed to be. He could top this entire list with a good junior season.
10. Dave Ragone, QB, Louisville (Sr.) -- At 6-4, 240 pounds, Ragone is that new bigger breed of quarterback. He is built like a tight end and often breaks free from potential sacks. Playing in John L. Smith's pro-style offense, this lefty has a big arm, but he also has a soft touch. Should once again put up big numbers in Smith's offense.

Possible breakthroughs: Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Penn State; Kenny King, DE, Alabama; Andre Johnson, WR, Miami; Andre Woolfolk, CB, Oklahoma; Dewayne White, DE, Louisville; Dahrran Diedrick, RB, Nebraska; Rex Grossman, QB, Florida; Eli Manning, QB, Mississippi; Brett Williams, T, Florida State; Ben Johnson, T, Wisconsin; Dwone Hicks, RB, Middle Tennessee State; Cedric Cobbs, RB, Arkansas.