How is the quality of an NFL Draft class judged before any prospect steps foot in the NFL? Is it by how many "franchise" quarterbacks there are? Is it by the number of franchise-changing players at the top of the draft? Is it by the overall depth?

Update: Read our NFL Draft 2015 positional rankings.

If it’s the first two, the 2015 NFL Draft is not a good one. However you judge a franchise quarterback, Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, right now, look like the only two who could be in contention for reaching such a lofty level. In fact, in the rankings below, they’re the only quarterbacks in the top 45. In the entire top 100, there’s only four quarterbacks total.

The last time the quarterback class was this poor was 2011. That year was buoyed by a group of defensive players like Patrick Peterson, Aldon Smith, J.J. Watt and others who can be franchise cornerstones. This class may have those players, but it’s no sure thing.

The overall depth is what may keep this class afloat. Of the top 50, half are offensive players and the other half are on defense. This class may lack in quarterbacks, but on offense it makes up for it in running backs, wide receivers and tackles. It’s also heavy in pass rushers. This list features 20 players who are college defensive ends.

This is just the first of a few versions of a top 100 big board leading up to the draft. The next update will be after bowls are completed and the Jan. 15 underclassmen deadlines passes. Then there will all-star game evaluation and, of course, more review of players. The draft process is just starting.

The most highly regarded player not included in this list is probably Notre Dame left tackle Ronnie Stanley. I don’t put a lot of time into redshirt sophomore offensive linemen until they declare. Stanley, according to reports, has submitted paperwork to the NFL Draft Advisory Committee to gauge his draft placement. Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams, another redshirt sophomore, isn’t listed yet.

* denotes junior, ** denotes redshirt sophomore

2015 NFL Draft top 100: