ONE GREAT ROOKIE CLASS NOW. ANOTHER COMING?

"Class of ’99 Could Be Best Ever" was the recent headline in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Few would argue. The article singled out defensive end JEVON KEARSE of the Tennessee Titans, running backs EDGERRIN JAMES of the Indianapolis Colts and RICKY WILLIAMS of the New Orleans Saints, and cornerback FERNANDO BRYANT of the Jacksonville Jaguars for their first half- season accomplishments. Next year’s class? The draft experts are starting to weigh in. GIL BRANDT, the former Dallas Cowboys player personnel chief and now the NFL’s Internet draft guru, says that two quarterbacks – CHAD PENNINGTON of Marshall and CHRIS REDMAN of Louisville – could be among the top 10 draft picks in 2000. CHARLEY CASSERLY, the former Washington Redskins general manager: "As good as (this year’s No. 1 overall choice) TIM COUCH is, these two guys may be better." The 2001 NFL Draft also will include at least one top quarterback since Purdue’s DREW BREES has announced that he will return to school next season for his senior year.