Most of the 13 personnel directors and general managers surveyed for the SportsLine.com draft series agree there are only 15-18 players on the board with legitimate first-round grades. From the middle of the first round until about the midpoint of the second, the players are jumbled and their grades are close.

Also notable about this draft is that there are fewer defensive players graded as first-round caliber prospects. That means defenders will be "pushed up" the board.

In these kinds of drafts, teams will "reach" for a particular player. A few years from now, when the 2000 draft is evaluated, it will be interesting to see if the results reflect the uncertainty.

Here, then, is a look at how SportsLine.com rates the top 60 players.

The list does not reflect the order in which the prospects will be selected, but rather their overall value based on a number of factors, including overall athleticism, ability to contribute quickly in the NFL and "round value," the spot in the draft where they should be selected:

1. DE Courtney Brown, Penn State, 6-4 7/8, 269 (4.56 time in the 40-yard dash):
Could use some more bulk, but comes hard off the corner every snap and is disruptive with his ability to penetrate upfield. Tremendous speed and quickness, runs the 40 even faster than many of the skill-position prospects in this draft. Nifty feet, good change of direction, can turn and then pursue plays from behind. Can hit top acceleration in only a step or two. Very aware of where he is at all times.

2. OLB LaVar Arrington, Penn State, 6-3 3/8, 250 (4.56):
Fine football instincts and very aware of what's going on around him. Probably projects to strongside player in the NFL. Goes to the ball like a heat-seeking missile and delivers a jolt when he hits people. A combination blitz/cover defender capable of coming hard off the edge or dropping into the flat or even 20 yards upfield. Stuffs the run and seems to naturally break down into classic football hitting position.

3. WR Peter Warrick, Florida State, 5-10 5/8, 194 (4.57):
An electrifying big-play threat who is more quick than fast and probably dropped from the No. 1 overall spot in draft because of pedestrian 40-yard time. Just put the ball in his hands, though, and don't worry about his stopwatch speed because he plays so much quicker than he times. Exceptional athlete with rare body control and burst. Superb open-field running ability.

4. DT Corey Simon, Florida State, 6-1 5/8, 297 (4.84):

Easily the best interior defensive lineman in draft pool. High-energy and super-intense run stuffer who demonstrates terrific instincts and in-line balance and body control. A little more squat than you would like but has a massive lower body, very thick through the butt and thighs. Exceptional athlete for a man his size, moves well in space. Can move like a linebacker and is frequently used to drop off into shorts hook zones.

5. OT Chris Samuels, Alabama, 6-5 1/8, 319 (4.98):
Not as good as Tony Boselli was coming out of college, but still one of the premier left tackle prospects of the last decade. Outstanding pass protector who permitted only one sack in his last two seasons and none in more than 900 snaps in 1999. Simply does not get beat in pass protection. Plays with quickness and great balance and can handle the outside speed rush and the inside counter moves. Very agile and nimblefooted, and has superior recovery skills.

6. OLB/ILB Brian Urlacher, New Mexico, 6-3 7/8, 258 (4.49):
Real freak of nature, since no one so large and so chiseled should be able to run so fast. Can sprint upfield with any running back and even some wide receivers. Athletic enough that, even as an outside linebacker, could play over the receiver in the slot. Because he played so many positions, really hasn't mastered one spot and suffers at times from a lack of technique refinement.

7. RB Thomas Jones, Virginia, 5-10, 216 (4.48):
Darting runner who explodes into holes, gets quickly into the secondary and possesses the kind of long, straight-line speed to run away from even some of the faster cornerbacks. Low-slung but solidly chiseled, runs with balance and a very low center of gravity. Won't break many tackles but still tough to knock off his feet.

8. WR Travis Taylor, Florida, 6-0 7/8, 200 (4.46):
Strong offseason workouts skyrocketed underclass wideout up draft boards; now a likely top 15 selection. Probably more polished receiver and more technically sound than Warrick and flashed better speed in workouts than scouts thought he had. Nice size, will catch the ball too close to his body at times, but uses shoulders to fend off corners. Strong runner after the catch.

9. QB Chad Pennington, Marshall, 6-3 3/8, 229 (4.84):
Doesn't have a big gun but arm strength has improved over last two years. Combined with classic throwing motion and quick release, he is more than good enough. Accurate in the short and intermediate game. Terrific student of game.

10. WR Plaxico Burress, Michigan State, 6-5 3/8, 231 (4.57):
Size will create matchup problems for defensive coordinators leaguewide; likes to run the deep post and can muscle right through the double-team. Will make the acrobatic catch but also drops some easy balls. Some ability on double-move routes. Needs to concentrate on the finer points of the game and quick taking his skills so much for granted. A better work ethic wouldn't hurt, either.

11. TE Bubba Franks, Miami (Fla.), 6-5 5/8, 252 (4.93):
Prototype size, speed and power for the hybrid position, but underclassman has puzzled scouts since the end of season. Huge target with large hands, sometimes catches the ball too close to his body, but can make the acrobatic grab as well. Powerful runner with some speed, tough to haul down when loose in secondary. Usually gets a smooth release off line, uses hands well to shake off linebackers playing over him.

12. RB Shaun Alexander, Alabama, 5-11 7/8, 218 (4.51):
Didn't garner the respect some tailbacks did during '99 season, but scouts love the guy and consider him the best all-around back in draft. He is just very solid in every area. Not a flashy back and won't break the big play, but efficient and technically sound in everything he does. A natural runner with great instincts.

13. DE Shaun Ellis, Tennessee, 6-4 3/8, 280 (4.76):
Improved his pass rush skills in '99 but still regarded primarily as a strongside end who might not be in your third-down package until he has a few years to refine some techniques. Nice frame and could probably add another 10-12 pounds and not lose any quickness. Plays with a solid base and nice strength; exhibits good instincts.

14. OLB Julian Peterson, Michigan State, 6-3 1/8, 231 (4.66):
Natural pass rusher who had 40 sacks in two seasons of junior college, explosive player when coming forward or off the edge. Terrific burst and very quick over 10 yards. Uses his hands to create separation but does not do a good job yet of avoiding cut blocks. Flexible and, when he's rushing quarterback, really hugs the corner tightly and compresses the pocket.

15. RB Jamal Lewis, Tennessee, 5-11 5/8, 231 (4.37):
Skyrocketed up draft boards after electrifying on-campus workout in which some scouts timed him in low-4.3s, and he posted vertical jump of over 40 inches. Prototype combination of size, speed, power and quick feet. Will run through most arm tackles.

16. OLB Keith Bulluck, Syracuse, 6-3, 244 (4.58):
Super range, can really open his hips, plays at times like he thinks he's still a safety. Will fly all over the field to make plays. Because of background in secondary, retains some man-coverage ability. Sees the field well and keys in on plays. Will get to the outside and funnel play back to interior. Gets caught up in traffic and sometimes doesn't disengage as well as you'd like.

17. DE John Abraham, South Carolina, 6-3 5/8, 252 (4.52):
The classic in-between player. Where he lines up in the NFL will depend on who drafts him but, rest assured, whether he plays at end or linebacker, he will be a rush guy on third-and-long. Superb cornering skills, can make the jab step inside and then close on the quarterback. Very long arms and strong hands.

18. OT Stockar McDougle, Oklahoma, 6-5 1/4, 354 (5.48):
Massive and girthy blocker who can envelop defenders with his size alone. Weight got out of control for a while and reported to the combine at 361 pounds. Would probably be more effective in the 330- to 340-pound range, but he is just genetically huge. Projects to right tackle for most teams but some clubs want to move inside to guard for a year or two. Comes off the ball, rolls his hips, hits on the rise.

19. DT Chris Hovan, Boston College, 6-2 3/8, 305 (4.95):
Looks like a natural 280-pounder who bulked himself up in weight room. Doesn't always play up to his size but, then again, always is a guy who grades out higher than his skill level indicates he should. A true warrior and gritty inside defender who has the ability to control the interior and dominate a game, especially when used in a one-gap technique.

20. WR Sylvester Morris, Jackson State, 6-3, 216 (4.49):
Had a terrible combine but has recovered well in private workouts and consistently run under 4.5 on campus for scouts. Actually doesn't play as fast as his stopwatch time; still pretty raw and will need work. Some burst over the top but not especially quick in close areas. Big hands and long arms.

21. CB Ahmed Plummer, Ohio State, 5-10 3/4, 191 (4.49):
Good body control and anticipation, and he needs it because he doesn't have the sustained speed to run upfield with the deep threat receivers. Smooth in his backpedal and good hip turn, very nice footwork and economy of motion. Won't take many false steps and has a nice change of direction. Good ball skills.

22. OG/OT Chris McIntosh, Wisconsin, 6-6 3/8, 315 (5.37):
Four-year starter at left tackle for the Badgers, but some question as to whether his rather average pass blocking skills and a lack of quickness allow him to play that position at next level. Long arms but doesn't always lock out once he makes initial contact. Adequate change of direction only, will overextend.

23. DE Darren Howard, Kansas State, 6-3 3/4, 281 (5.09):
Despite nice size and good speed, is a step slow off the ball when he lines up over tackle or in a "9" technique. Has natural lean off the corner but doesn't use it. At times, appears he is a better pass rusher when he moves inside and operates against guard. Sacks dropped off from 10-1/2 in 1998 to 5-1/2 in '99, but was sometimes called on to drop into swing areas last year. Scouts love the fact he plays game with balance.

24. RB Ron Dayne, Wisconsin, 5-10 7/8, 256 (4.58):
Leading career rusher in college football has some limitations, but scouts are beginning to warm to him as draft approaches. A massive man who can go into the pile and move it back, his thick body makes it tough for tacklers to wrap him up. Built low to ground and is like roadgrader if he gets up a head of steam. Workhorse who is accustomed to 25-30 carries per game.

25. OT Adrian Klemm, Hawaii, 6-3 7/8, 307, (5.05):
Moved from tackle to tight end in '98 and dropped weight as low as 240 pounds that season. By midseason, forced back to tackle and had to bulk up again. Very raw but a terrific athlete with exceptional feet, lateral movement skills and a long frame that can handle another 10-15 pounds. Despite lack of experience, has innate feel for getting his hands inside on an opponent and then extending his long arms to create separation.

26. DE Erik Flowers, Arizona State, 6-4 1/4, 271 (4.68):
Added nearly 30 pounds since last spring and didn't lose any of his quickness. Explodes off the edge, lightning first step into the backfield. Doesn't have great natural size and bone structure might mean he's a big as he is going to get. Speed is still biggest asset and has to work just as hard now to refine his game.

27. WR Jerry Porter, West Virginia, 6-2 1/4, 221 (4.38):
Limited exposure to wide receiver position. Recruited as quarterback, played some wideout early in career, then switched to safety for junior and first half of senior seasons. Played just six games at wide receiver in '99 and caught 15 passes for 311 yards and four scores. Tremendous workout warrior, off the charts in nearly every test. Has consistently run under 4.4 and had vertical jumps in the NBA range.

28. CB Deltha O'Neal, California, 5-11, 193 (4.46):
A natural ballhawk and moves fluidly toward the pass in the air. Had nine interceptions in 1999. Good anticipation helps him a lot but he has also dramatically improved his footwork and overall technique. Has run blistering 40 times the past month but, on tape at least, doesn't play up to his straight-line speed.

29. ILB Rob Morris, Brigham Young, 6-1 7/8, 250 (4.74):
Huge motor, plays every snap with intensity and passion. Doesn't run all that well and not a great athlete, but anticipation and diagnostic skills get him to ball. Takes good angles and doesn't waste any steps. Has been on the bottom of a lot of piles in his career. Plays naturally squared-up and in-hitting position.

30. OT Todd Wade, Mississippi, 6-7 7/8, 326 (5.24):
Not fat, just big all over, can be imposing just getting up out of a chair. Unfortunately, football isn't played in chairs. Tremendous wingspan and has good but not great feet. No better than adequate in a lot of areas during the past two years but scouts seem to be upgrading him in recent weeks. Can fan out but still struggles to adjust when he overextends.

31. CB Rashard Anderson, Jackson State, 6-2 3/8, 206 (4.59):
Good feet and hips and nice recovery to the ball when he gets beat. Has yet to refine his single-coverage techniques, but shows promise there and will get better as he plays more cornerback and gets more repetitions. Body is so big that he looks like he had more range than he really does.

32. OT Marvel Smith, Arizona State, 6-4 7/8, 320 (5.32):
Prototype size for left tackle, the kind of long arms you want, but is still filling out and might get even bigger. Plays a finesse game and lacks upper body strength. Tends to not bend his knees and gets too high. Very inconsistent in his pass protection setup; likes to ride rushers up the field, but will get too wide.

33. WR Dennis Northcutt, Arizona, 5-10 3/8, 175 (4.45):
Played a lot of positions early in career before settling in at wide receiver. A little smaller than you'd like but not as anemic-looking as Todd Pinkston of Southern Miss. Solid player with a big heart and nice feel for the game. Rarely seems to take a big hit. More quick than fast, a darting and shifty runner who is a terrific return man.

34. OG Cosey Coleman, Tennessee, 6-4 1/8, 322 (5.38):
Plays faster than his stopwatch time and is stronger than his bench press tests indicate. Body looks a little soft and he will have to work on defining his physique. Still very young so should get stronger as he matures. Very quick feet, can pull and really get out in front of the sweep. At his best in space but still a bit inconsistent when it comes to hitting on the move.

35. OG Travis Claridge, Southern California, 6-5 1/8, 303 (5.16):
Tough and has a blue-collar work ethic. Plays with great intensity and aggressiveness. Tenacious when he is blocking in-line, will sustain until the back clears him and then make an effort at second level. Durable and will play hurt rather than take snaps off. Above average techniques but can't make the reach block.

36. DE John Engelberger, Virginia Tech, 6-4 1/4, 260 (4.73):
Active defender with superior straight-line running speed. A nasty disposition but will keep his emotions in check; rarely shows much outward passion for the game. Has trouble getting off blocks and will get washed out of some plays completely. Had some off-field problems that are a concern.

37. DE/DT Cornelius Griffin, Alabama, 6-3 1/8, 297 (4.91):
Versatile defender with enough speed to play outside and enough body mass to get significant snaps at tackle. Good weightlifter but he doesn't always translate that into functional football strength. Will try to muscle blockers and is not as strong as he should be as an inside anchor.

38. WR Dez White, Georgia Tech, 6-1 1/4, 216 (4.41):
Nice combination of size and speed. Built like a tailback, could probably stand to lose 5-6 pounds. Exploded on scene in '98 with huge season, then tailed off in '99 when defenses began accounting more for him. Very fluid, almost effortless style, doesn't seem like he's at full throttle but will run right past a cornerback.

39. TE Anthony Becht, West Virginia, 6-5 5/8, 270 (4.76):
Good stopwatch speed but usually plays slower than his time. A solid target in the short area and guy who knows how to locate the seams in zone coverage. Inconsistent hands, will drop more balls than he should. Long arms and knows how to make himself available to the quarterback. Has had some injury problems with feet that need to be checked out.

40. DT Steve Warren, Nebraska, 6-0 5/8, 307 (5.06):
Not as tall as scouts like but a massive lower body. Tough and strong, plays with a low base and can completely shut down the run inside when he's got things cranked up. Like a big roadblock in the middle of the line who is not going to be budged. Better athlete and more flexible than he first appears.

41. CB Lewis Sanders, Maryland, 6-0 1/4, 202 (4.49):
Doesn't bend his knees well in his backpedal and will get his feet caught when he breaks upfield. For most of season, it looked like he lacked true corner speed, but then he burned up the track in postseason workouts, posting some times in the mid- to high-4.3s. Plays the ball pretty well.

42. WR R. Jay Soward, Southern California, 5-9 1/2, 177 (4.37):
Next to Peter Warrick, might be most natural playmaker in wide receiver group. Explosive off line and reaches top speed in only a few strides. When he kicks it into top gear, no one is going to catch him. From 1996-98, scored 27 times on only 186 "touches," and averaged nearly 50 yards per touchdown play.

43. DT Darwin Walker, Tennessee, 6-2 3/8, 293 (4.85):
Selfless player who understands his role and is happy to play it and not try to be a star. An athletic tester who runs under 5.0 and jumps well but rarely applies those skills on the field. Takes good angles to the ball and will play with economy of motion. When he gets too high, gets obliterated. Does not play with good pad level.

44. RB Trung Canidate, Arizona, 5-10 5/8, 193 (4.44):
Best long threat in running back pool but he will put up a lot of 2- and 3-yard carries before hitting the seam and sprinting 50 yards. Scouts like him as complementary or change of pace back who can get 6-8 carries per game and maybe hit the home run. In 1997-98 averaged more than 50 yards per touchdown run.

45. ILB Brandon Short, Penn State, 6-3, 252 (4.73):
Smart, tenacious and fiery, a team leader who can verbally rally the troops. Has lateral and chase speed but marginal downfield effort. Sometimes he will wait for the play to come to him instead of reacting to what's unfolding in front of him. A bit stiff-looking in the hips.

46. FS Deon Grant, Tennessee, 6-1 3/4, 209 (4.56):
Tremendous physical stature and overall physical abilities should project him into first round, but most teams have dropped him on their boards in recent weeks. Great hands, catches the ball as well as most wide receivers in this year's draft. But the guy won't hit anybody.

47. OG Chad Clifton, Tennessee, 6-5 1/4, 334 (5.08):
True workout warrior who is a better athlete than he is a football player. Will run under 5.0 in the 40 under good conditions but straight-line speed doesn't translate into maneuverability on field. Still, there are some teams that like him more than Vols teammate and guard Cosey Coleman. Often late coming off the ball and is not particularly explosive.

48. WR Todd Pinkston, Southern Mississippi, 6-2, 169 (4.49):
Biggest concern is his frail-looking frame and fear he won't hold up physically to NFL pounding. Plays up to his speed and has good body control. Makes the tough catch, fearless when running through traffic. Excellent concentration on the ball; will rarely double-catch or bobble a pass.

49. CB Jacoby Shepherd, Oklahoma State, 6-1 1/2 (4.49):
Inconsistent techniques but the bigger cornerback every team wants now. Actually plays a bit faster than his 40 time would indicate. Has some natural coverage abilities. Moves with great facility and very fluid when he turns his hips to run deep. Good recovery speed, needs to develop his spatial awareness.

50. OLB Raynoch Thompson, Tennessee, 6-2 5/8, 220 (4.55):
Fluid athlete, very loose in the hips and can motor after the ball carrier. Mostly makes plays, however, from behind and his size precludes him from taking on blockers and redirecting them. Very quick and gets great depth on pass drops, but doesn't have coverage techniques he needs to contribute as "nickel" linebacker.

51. OT Michael Thompson, Tennessee State, 6-4 1/2, 305 (5.25):
As raw as steak tartar but opened lots of eyes at the Senior Bowl, where he could hang with the big boys, and then again at the combine. Tremendous pure athleticism and flexibility. Can really move his feet and has the mentality of a left tackle. Lacks functional football strength and needs about 20 more pounds.

52. FS Rogers Beckett, Marshall, 6-1 1/2, 207 (4.62):
Exceptional size and plays a lot faster than his 40 time would indicate. A long-strider who is just learning to chop his steps, but seems to get to the ball and cover a lot of ground with deceptive range. Takes good angles to the ball and really gets a good jump on the outside "fade" routes. Can be physical at times.

53. WR Laveranues Coles, Florida State, 5-11 1/4, 192 (4.45):
True straight-line burner with incredible burst and ability to simply explode past defenders. Will have cornerbacks backpedaling from the time he breaks the huddle. More fast than quick and, having played wideout for only two full seasons, former high school running back still looks uninstinctive at times.

54. DE Adalius Thomas, Southern Mississippi, 6-2 3/8, 270 (4.59):
Despite getting 31 sacks in three seasons, an underachiever at times. Incredible first step into backfield, like he was shot out of a catapult, but will flat-out quit on a play when he is stymied. Plays with good leverage and will take nice angles to ball. Makes big plays and can block kicks.

55. OLB Marcus Washington, Auburn, 6-3 1/4, 252 (4.63):
Nice range and hustle, can chases play from the inside out. Quick and explosive hands but will allow blockers into his chest at times and then is stalemated. Flashes some pass rush skills and seems to be developing in that area. Adequate strength. Gets tunnel vision when he drops into pass coverage.

56. CB/FS Mark Roman, LSU, 5-10 7/8, 188 (4.47):
Has some innate coverage skills and nice change of direction and break on ball. A little too high in his backpedal and his hip turn isn't real smooth, will get duped on the double-move routes. Will close on the ball, though, and loves to come up and physically press the receiver.

57. OG Leander Jordan, Indiana (Pa.), 6-3 7/8, 330 (5.35):
Limited football background, but great size, strength and balance. Has quick hands and will shoot them out and get into defensive tackle, lock on and redirect. Doesn't always make best decisions because he hasn't been playing game long enough to have developed solid instincts.

58. OLB Barrett Green, West Virginia, 5-11 5/8, 233 (4.62):
Explosive hitter when he gets a chance to run up on a player. Exceptionally active and will make plays from sideline to sideline. Good strength for his size but has really short arms and that makes it hard for him to take on blockers and shed them. Because of that, tends to run around plays. Has a nose for the ball and superior closing speed over a 10-yard stretch.

59. CB/FS William Bartee, Oklahoma, 6-1, 192 (4.45):
Former safety who projects to corner in a draft bereft of bigger players at that key position. Effective in "press" coverage, loves to get up in a receiver's face and bully him. Strong enough to do it, too. Not comfortable yet playing in zone and off-man coverages.

60. SS/FS Mike Brown, Nebraska, 5-9 7/8, 204 (4.56):
Very smart and superb awareness for the game. Those qualities and his top-notch character have really moved him up draft boards in the league. A team leader who will get everyone lined up before the play and is very decisive once the ball is snapped. Always around the football, has superior, almost tailback-type vision.