NFL: MEETINGS BEGIN.

Byline: Billy Witz Staff Writer

ORLANDO, Fla. - Choosing a new commissioner will be the main topic of discussion today when the NFL begins its annual meeting.

After Paul Tagliabue gives his state-of-the-league speech to owners and executives this morning, work will begin on laying down the process for a successor to Tagliabue, who is scheduled to end his 16-plus years as commissioner in July.

Thus far, a number of candidates have surfaced. The most prominent have been NFL executive Roger Goodell and Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay, the son of former USC coach John McKay. Others who are expected to draw consideration is Disney Sports Attractions vice president Reggie Williams, a former Bengals linebacker, and NFL executive Eric Grubman, who has among his duties played a role in stadium negotiations in Los Angeles.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he doesn't think an outsider with a strong business background is necessary because the league has resolved many of its business issues for the near future with their recent TV and labor deals.

Kraft believes the league is set up so well that ``any competent manager'' could succeed. He also shot down the notion that the commissioner's job could be divided between a so-called football candidate and a business-side candidate.

Also scheduled to begin today a report on stadium prospects in Los Angeles.

The league's Competition Committee, co-chaired by McKay and Titans coach Jeff Fisher, will bring up several initiatives. Among them is a rule change to prevent hits to the knees of quarterbacks, such as the one that knocked Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer out of his team's playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Also on tap are proposals that would expand the playoffs from 12 to 14 teams, expanding the scope of instant replay to include all penalties, and modifying false start fouls so that any eligible receiver would have a chance to reset himself.

Billy Witz, [phone]

billy.witz(at)dailynews.com