In a few weeks we will know which underclassmen will declare for the 2001 NFL Draft this spring. The underclassmen have made a huge impact in the early rounds since they began entering the draft in '89 and will again be critical additions for the prime draft selections.

This year's senior class already has seen a number of changes since the season kicked off in August with several additions to the top two rounds. The following players have improved their stock for the NFL Draft 2001 substantially during their senior seasons, and several have pushed themselves into the first round on April 21.

More draft analysis

Offense

QB Chris Weinke made a smart decision to return to Florida State for his senior season. (Allsport)

1. Chris Weinke, Florida State
Quarterback, 6-5, 228
This Heisman Trophy 2000 winner made the right decision to return for his senior season. He lost 20 pounds before the season, which improved his mobility to an adequate level for the pro game. His impressive final season in all phases of the game will push him into the first day of the NFL Draft 2001. He would have been a late-round pick if he had come out after last season.

2. Kevan Barlow, Pittsburgh
Running Back, 6-1, 235
Hard-running senior finished strong this season after an erratic early career that left many scouts puzzled. He is a powerful runner with the ability to make yardage after contact and the speed to break the big play. He had several huge late games that has him flying up the charts.

3. Marvin Minnis, Florida State
Wide Receiver, 6-1, 180
No one player in the nation made a bigger jump this season than this lean athlete who became the favorite receiver of Weinke. He has fine hands with the body control and leaping skills to go up in a crowd and make the play plus the speed to get behind the secondary as a deep threat. He led the nation in yardage and finished with an impressive 21-yard average per catch.

4. Quincy Morgan, Kansas State
Wide Receiver, 6-1, 210
Athletic wideout had a fine final season showing the big-play ability to rank him with the best receivers in the nation. He came up huge against Nebraska in a big Wildcat victory and finished the season with 13 TD receptions.

5. Justin McCareins, Northern llinois
Wide Receiver, 6-2, 205
Smooth receiver became the premier offensive player in the MAC this season. He has fine size, speed and agility to make all the plays on the outside. He became the go-to receiver during a great senior season which included over 1,150 yards and 10 TDs despite frequent double coverage.

6. Brian Natkin, UTEP
Tight End, 6-3, 245
Mobile pass-catching athlete leads the nation's tight ends in receptions this season. He has excellent hands and is fluid into his routes, showing the ability to separate quickly and get open in short and intermediate zones.

7. Elliot Silvers, Washington
Offensive Tackle, 6-6, 310
Huge senior tackle has become an anchor on the left side of the Huskies line and protected QB Marques Tuiasosopo's blindside the past few seasons. He is an accomplished pass blocker with the massive wingspan to force pass rushers wide and the footwork to mirror them off the edge. He needs more work as a drive blocker.

Defense

1. David Warren, Florida State
Defensive End, 6-3, 255
Late bloomer has had a big senior season, displaying excellent upfield speed off the edge. Though not a starter entering the season, he has had a pivotal year filling in for Roland Seymour. He has shaken the underachiever label this season and pushed himself into a middle-round grade for the NFL Draft 2001.

Massive Texas defender Shaun Rogers can be a dominating player. (Allsport)

2. Shaun Rogers, Texas
Defensive Tackle, 6-4, 330
Big wide-body athlete has the mobility and nimble feet scouts look for in an interior defender. He will most likely go ahead of teammate Casey Hampton off potential alone, but his production has been inconsistent over his entire career.

3. Torrance Marshall, Oklahoma
Linebacker, 6-2, 245
Tough, athletic linebacker has been one of the key performers on the Sooners defense that has kept them in the national title picture. He has come up big in critical games this season, which has raised him to the No.1 inside linebacker.

4. Kenny Lucas, Mississippi
Cornerback, 6-0, 200
Sturdy, athletic corner has responded with an impressive senior season against some of the nation's best receivers. He has the size, quickness and recovery speed to match up with big fast receivers in man coverage. His big effort in 2000 will most likely push him into the first round in April.

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.