This year's quarterback class features several fine prospects, including two blue-chip underclassmen who will face difficult decisions this January about entering the NFL Draft 2001.

Virginia Tech's Michael Vick is a rare athlete with keen instincts and the feel for the position to be a dominant player at any level. He has sub-4.3 speed, a powerful throwing arm and the quick feet that allows him to make critical plays on the perimeter rarely displayed at the position. He has tailback-type running skills in the open field with the vision, balance and cutting skills comparable to the nation's top running backs.

Seniors Drew Brees and Chris Weinke head the average senior class of passers. Brees is on his way to establishing every Big Ten passing record this season. He operates in a well-tuned passing attack that has allowed him to maximize his fine talents.

Weinke might be the most improved player in the nation, which sounds crazy after he led Florida State to an undefeated season and a national championship last season.

But he lost 20 pounds during the offseason, which has greatly improved his mobility and allowed him to make plays on the perimeter for the first time in his career. This improvement has helped raise his stock as a pro prospect immensely. He could be an early draft selection despite the fact he will be a 29-year-old rookie next summer.

More Draft analysis

Michael Vick is the top pro prospect if he comes out early. (AP)

1. Michael Vick, Virginia Tech
Sophomore, 6-2, 225
Gifted third-year sophomore continues to light up defenses weekly. He has the physical and mental tools to become a franchise player in the NFL.

2. Drew Brees, Purdue
Senior, 6-1, 220
Slick-throwing senior has developed nicely in Purdue's wide-open passing attack. He has a quick delivery and a good arm that has allowed him to make all the throws and perform in any type of offense.

3. Chris Weinke, Florida State
Senior, 6-5, 228
Gritty senior passer has the Seminoles on a 22-game winning streak that has them thinking about the national championship again. Weinke displays a strong arm and the fine touch to deliver all the throws, plus the intangibles and maturity to become a solid pro signal-caller.

4. Quincy Carter, Georgia
Junior, 6-3, 215
Talented junior has struggled in the early action with a high number of interceptions, but he possesses all the skills necessary to be a fine NFL starter. He will have to improve quickly this fall before seriously considering turning pro after the season.

5. Josh Heupel, Oklahoma
Senior, 6-2, 210
Lefty senior has turned the Sooners' offense into one of the most feared in the nation. He has a fine touch on his passes and the ability to find secondary receivers consistently.

6. Ortege Jenkins, Arizona
Senior, 6-2, 210
Athletic senior finally gets a chance to play full time this season after sharing the starting job the past two years. He has a good arm and the mobility to make things happen outside the pocket.

Washington's Marques Tuiasosopo rises to the occasion in big games. (AP)

7. Marques Tuiasosopo, Washington
Senior, 6-1, 215
Athletic senior has taken the Huskies back to national prominence with several big performances against national powers. He is a double threat, capable of beating a club with his arm or feet.

8. Jesse Palmer, Florida
Senior, 6-2, 220
Strong-armed senior passer might have established himself as a solid pro prospect with a gutty effort against Tennessee. He has a sound arm and the tools for the NFL if he can show more consistency throwing the ball this season.

9. Carson Palmer, Southern California
Junior, 6-4, 215
Talented junior passer returns after injuries ruined his sophomore season. He has the tools to develop into a fine pro, but clearly needs time and refinement to realize his full potential, and might be best advised to stay in school another season.

10. Tim Hasselbeck, Boston College
Senior, 6-1, 210
Tough senior passer hopes to elevate his stock with a big final season. He has limited experience and must prove he is an accurate passer to be rated in the same category as his brother Matt, who has developed into a top backup with the Packers.

Coyle, a full-time NFL scout, has published Draft Insiders' Digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 10 years.

He attends practices, games and individual workouts across the country as well as breaking down game films to study the nation's top players. He writes for numerous pro weeklies on the NFL Draft and free agency in addition to game matchups and player profiles.

Coyle attends NFL minicamps in May and June and numerous training camps throughout the summer. He is a frequent guest on sports talk shows from coast-to-coast, and has also been a personnel consultant to several NFL teams in recent years.