2011 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 20 Big East Players
When you consider the Big East is one of six BCS conferences it's almost embarrassing to look at the potential impact the conference will have in the upcoming NFL Draft. Maybe that should be lack of impact.
Most draft experts are predicting not a single Big East player will be taken in the first round, and don't be shocked if only one is taken in the second round.
Dave Wannstedt's old recruits at Pittsburgh should be some of the higher picks, while the Panthers, Connecticut and West Virginia are likely to be the most represented Big East schools during the draft.
Still, Day 1 is going to be lonely for the Big East.
20. J.T. Thomas, LB, West Virginia
1 of 20
J.T. Thomas was a key cog in one of the nation's best defenses.
His speed (4.65 in the 40) and his leadership will help get him drafted, and could be a reason why he sticks with someone next year.
Injuries have been an issue, but he's always fought back.
Projection: Round 6 or 7
19. Zach Hurd, OG, Connecticut
2 of 20
Zach Hurd started the past two seasons for the Huskies and helped anchor a line that had one of the best running games in the conference.
He could play either guard position in the NFL, but at this point it's hard to project him as more than a solid back up.
If he improves as a pass blocker he could be a great pick this late in the draft.
Projection: Round 6 or 7
18. Anthony Sherman, FB, Connecticut
3 of 20
Fullbacks don't usually rank very high on a team's draft board, but Anthony Sherman might get his name called. He may also fall to free agency as well.
Teams still like to find strong lead blockers, which he can do. Sherman also has solid hands out of the backfield.
His lack of speed will hurt him, but how many NFL teams really ask their fullback to carry the ball a lot?
Projection: Round 6
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17. Chris Neild, DT, West Virginia
4 of 20
Chris Neild loves to plug up the middle against the run. He also makes his presence known on pass defense.
He doesn't rack up big numbers, but his role in WVU's stellar defense should not go overlooked. He was a key cog for defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel.
His physical play inside will more than likely catch the eye of a few teams who will be willing to take a flier on Neild.
Projection: Round 6
16. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
5 of 20
A foot injury put a real damper on Noel Devine's senior season in Morgantown, and likely pushed him down many draft boards.
Devine remains a dynamic player with top-end speed. His size and perceived lack of durability are working against him.
He's loaded with potential and someone like the Raiders are going to gamble on him to potentially flourish in the long run.
Projection: Round 6
15. Lawrence Wilson, LB, Connecticut
6 of 20
If you had a chance to watch Lawrence Wilson play last year you saw that he was always around the ball. The guy just loves to play.
He's adept at defending both the run and pass, but his size is hurting him. He's just 6'0", 225 pounds.
He'll need to bulk up more to have a real shot of playing at the next level, but he's going to open some eyes in training camp.
Projection: Round 5 or 6
14. Joe Lefeged, S. Rutgers
7 of 20
Joe Lefeged has the speed and athleticism to match up with some of the higher ranked safeties in the draft.
What sets them apart from him is their ability to play the run. Still, Lefeged is a nice coverage safety who is also experienced on special teams.
Give him a year or two and he could be a starter in the NFL.
Projection: Round 5
13. Scott Lutrus, LB, Connecticut
8 of 20
Scott Lutrus helped his draft standing with a strong performance at the combine.
He has had to battle the injury bug the past two seasons and some teams may consider him an injury risk.
After back-to-back 100-tackle seasons, Lutrus' production dropped to 69 in 2009 and 59 in 2010.
He's another one of those Big East linebackers that plays with a high motor and gets more from his ability.
Projection: Round 5
12. Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville
9 of 20
Until his senior season under coach Charlie Strong, Bilal Powell wasn't even considered an NFL prospect.
Thankfully for him, 2010 was a breakout year and he showed nice speed, toughness and escapability.
His showing during Senior Bowl week should also help him move up during the draft.
Some scouts may be a little leery of a running back who had just one good season of college ball.
He'll prove his value during training camp.
Projection: Round 5
11. Jason Pinkston, OL, Pittsburgh
10 of 20
Jason Pinkston enters the draft as a three-year starter and he should be a solid professional.
The knock on him is his height (6'4"), but most scouts still like his aggressive play and could see him playing tackle or guard.
He proved to be one of the Big East's best pass blockers.
Projection: Round 5
10. Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
11 of 20
All of the physical skills are present to be a top professional, but Delone Carter can't get past the "character risk" label.
There are a few teams who will be willing to take a chance on Carter and it could pay off handsomely. Then again he could implode.
But it will be worth the risk to get a guy who runs tough between the tackles and shined last year for a resurgent Syracuse program.
Projection: Round 4 or 5
9. Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
12 of 20
More than likely Dion Lewis expected to have another big season and figured he'd leave early for the money of the NFL.
His 2010 was a big disappointment, even though he started to come on late and reminded everyone of why he was such a special player in 2009.
Lewis is not going to be a featured back in the NFL, but he has the required speed and agility to survive as a pro.
Projection: Round 4
8. Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia
13 of 20
Brandon Hogan was WVU's top cover guy in 2010 and teams shied away from throwing his way.
He projects as a starter in nickel and dime packages. Hogan was also a key performer on the Mountaineers' special teams and he could pick that up right away in the NFL.
Scouts love his speed and nose for the ball, but he struggles to hang with bigger receivers so he'll need to improve in this area to be a consistent performer.
Projection: Round 4
7. Robert Sands, S, West Virginia
14 of 20
Robert Sands bolted after his junior year despite the fact he's not predicted to be a first rounder. Even the second round is a stretch.
He has outstanding size (6'4", 217) for a safety, and some teams have even considered him a potential linebacker.
His cover skills are solid, which is why many would love to convert him.
He plays the game extremely fast, but that causes him to lose control and get out of position. He was also banged up a bit last season.
Projection: Round 3 or 4
6. Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
15 of 20
If not for needing back surgery and then tearing his ACL, Greg Romeus would likely be considered a first or second rounder. Instead he missed his senior season.
He puts a lot of pressure on quarterbacks and offensive tackles to stop him. He also has a reputation of knocking down passes.
Romeus is considered just an average athlete at his position by many experts, but he makes up for it with his energy.
Projection: Round 3 or 4
5. Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
16 of 20
Johnny Patrick gained a ton of experience as a three-year starter for the Cardinals. He was even considered Louisville's shut down corner in 2010.
He has the size and coverage skills to make it in the NFL, but he'll need to improve his technique to survive in the NFL.
Another strength of Patrick's is his speed, which will allow him to stay with some of the NFL's fastest receivers.
Projection: Round 3
4. Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
17 of 20
Jordan Todman was the Big East's best running back in 2010 and will likely be the first back chosen from the conference.
He has good strength and balance, but lacks the explosiveness he'll need to be a star in the NFL.
That said, Todman proved to be a fearless runner and someone who will work hard to be successful.
Don't count this guy out as a potential featured back.
Projection: Late Round 2 or 3
3. Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida
18 of 20
Terrell McClain is the definition of good but not great.
Some NFL teams will project him to be a mid-range star in the league, while others would consider anything higher than a fourth-round pick as a waste.
He fits better in a 3-4 system. He explodes off the ball and will likely turn into a solid defensive lineman at the next level.
Projection: Round 2
2. Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
19 of 20
There was a time when the coaches at Pittsburgh felt they had the second coming NFL All-Pro and Pitt alumnus Larry Fitzgerald in Jonathan Baldwin.
Instead, they had a talented but lazy receiver.
When Baldwin wanted to play he was as good as any in the college game. Scouts are attracted to his size and great hands. He also has great body control.
If he lives up to his potential Baldwin could be considered a steal.
Projection: Round 2
1. Jabaal Sheard, DE/LB, Pittsburgh
20 of 20
Jabaal Sheard was a force for the Panthers as a three-year starter. Depending on team needs, he could find his way into the first round.
He should be able to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3, and is known to be a major run stopper.
He is explosive off the ball and has the speed to come off the edge and get to the quarterback.
Sheard has a good chance of becoming a starter in the NFL in 2011.
Projection: Round 2
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