Big East Preview: Top 20 NFL Draft Prospects

The Big East hasn't been known in the past to churn out First Round selections or even a consistent stream of draftable players since Miami (FL) left the conference.

However, Pittsburgh has become a hot-bed for NFL talent. Cincinnati and West Virginia have been legit BCS threats year in and year out. The Big East has had some talented prospects.

1. Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
He would have been a Top 40 pick last year. He’s a top notch end with consistency. He has both inside and outside pass rush moves and is a great finisher in the pocket when attacking the quarterback. The only question mark is his ability to track the runner on the outside.

2. Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh (JR)
Tremendous size and body control. He can be a team’s number one receiver. He has a Calvin Johnson build, and is a ball grabber. His routes have improved over the past few years, and he'll have a chance this year to show that he's a pro-ready receiver.

3. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
Though a speedy back, he's not as physical as Maurice Jones-Drew but is no sideline hunter. Devine has the acceleration and the burst in the hole to take advantage of a seam. The spread offense adds to his production but he'll have to show that he can break big plays in situations where the zone blocking breaks down.

4. Armon Binns, WR, Cincinnati
Played very well last year. He’s physical and a good route runner like Brandon LaFell. Binns was overshadowed by Mardy Gilyard last season but with Zach Collaros at quarterback and another solid yet less talented receiver, Vidal Hazelton, next to him, he'll be the go to option.

5. James Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh
At times was an outstanding left tackle prospect. If he can build on ’09, he’ll rise quickly. He'll need to show a better and more consistent base in run support and show he can push and drive in the direct run game. He has the left tackle tools and if he's a consistent edge blocker and improves interiorly, he'll be a First Rounder.

6. Scooter Berry, DT/DE, West Virginia
The perfect five-technique end, if Tyson Alualu’s a Top 10 pick, Berry’s a 1st rounder. His combination of size and leverage technique makes him a hassle for the guard and tackle combo blocks, and he can really open up the outside.

7. Julian Miller, DE/OLB, West Virginia (JR)
An underrated talent, this ranking comes with the hope that he’ll utilize his potential. He'll have every opportunity to succeed this year with a great defensive line and inside linebackers next to him with good pass coverage support. He could really have a breakout year.

8. Jordan Todman, RB, UConn (JR)
Came almost out of nowhere a season ago, he has the size and speed to play in the NFL. He still has to prove he isn't a one year wonder but with his size and playmaking ability, he has the capability to be an every down back.

9. Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia
Doesn’t have the ideal physicality. He's a sound tackler and has good enough ball skills. He needs to show he can stick with both big and speedy receivers consistently without too much help over the top.

10. Greg Lloyd, OLB, UConn

Moves well in space. If he can be a complete tackler and better in coverage, he’ll soar. He has great linebackers by his side, and an overall defense talented enough to let him roam on the outside.

11. Robert Sands, S, West Virginia (JR)
Very instinctive close to the line. Cincys' offense will be his only test in 2010.

12. Vidal Hazelton, WR, Cincinnati
Former prized recruit at USC. 2010 will be his first year of redemption at Cincy.

13. Lawrence Wilson, OLB, UConn
A great athlete who didn’t impress as much as I hoped a season ago, he has the talent.

14. Chris Neild, NT, West Virginia
Great nose tackle for the Mountaineers defense, he’ll be the key to their defense success.

15. Joe Martinek, RB, Rutgers
A tougher and physical back. If he can show continued burst over the season, he’ll get a shot.

16. Jock Sanders, RB/WR, West Virginia
Playmaker and “gadget” player, he’s undersized but has elite shiftiness.

17. Scott Lutrus, ILB, UConn
The third of the UConn linebackers, Lutrus needs to show he doesn’t need great talent to succeed.

18. Pat Lazear, ILB, West Virginia
Engages well on the inside, he’s a special teamer plus with starting potential.

19. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati (JR)
Wowed in some games a season ago, he’ll get a shot to start all year and could impress.

20. Mike Ryan, OT, UConn
Right tackle for sure in the NFL, he needs to move better or else he’s destined for guard.

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