NFP’s 2009 Big East all-prospect team

In our continuing look at the top draft-eligible prospects from each conference, the National Football Post checks out the Big East.

The NFP’s 2009 SEC all-prospect team

The NFP’s 2009 Pac-10 all-prospect team

The NFP’s 2009 Big Ten all-prospect team

Offense

QB Tony Pike, Cincinnati

Led the conference in quarterback rating (155.35) and touchdown passes (26) and was second in passing yards (2,350) despite missing three games with an injury. Currently ranks as one of the nation's top senior quarterback prospects but looks more like a solid backup-type at the next level.

RB Noel Devine, West Virginia

An explosive scatback who displays the type of shiftiness to consistently make a man miss and create in the open field. Lacks the type of size needed to be a featured back on an NFL offense but is simply too talented with the ball in his hands to not make an impact.

H-back Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh

Runs extremely well for his size (6-2, 230) and has the ability to consistently make plays down the field and track the football vertically. Looks like a guy who could definitely create some big mismatch problems in the pass game for an NFL defense.

WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut

Easley has really come on of late and showcases an impressive combination of size, burst and overall coordination for the position. Does a great job setting up defenders out of his breaks and has the type of skill set needed to separate on the outside at the next level.

WR Mike Williams, Syracuse

Is as talented as any wide receiver prospect in the nation. Possesses a great frame, explosive leaping ability and the speed to consistently make plays down the field. However, he comes with a laundry list of character concerns that could ultimately keep him from reaching his full potential.

TE Nate Byham, Pittsburgh

Isn’t the most explosive athlete but knows how to catch the football and displays the power and technique needed to consistently win in the run game. Looks like a guy who will be able to nail down a job as a team’s No. 2 tight end.

OL Anthony Davis, Rutgers

Looks like the draft's top left tackle prospect and possesses Pro Bowl potential in the NFL.

OL Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh

Displays impressive length and overall girth through his upper body and looks capable starting at a number of positions across the offensive line.

OL Selvish Capers, West Virginia

An undersized right tackle (6-5, 298) who, although he possesses above-average athleticism for the position, lacks the type of skill set needed to make the transition to the left side in the NFL.

OL John Malecki, Pittsburgh

An intriguing guard prospect who made the successful transition from defensive tackle and does a great job playing with leverage and creating a push in the run game. Is far from a finished product but has the type of upside to possibly mature into a starting-caliber NFL lineman.

OL Jeff Linkenbach, Cincinnati

Possesses a nice-sized frame (6-6, 311) with long arms but lacks the type of athleticism needed to hold his own on the blind side. Looks more like a developmental-type prospect who could end up making a roster down the line as a backup lineman.

Defense

DL Arthur Jones, Syracuse

One of the nation's most underrated defensive tackle prospects. Showcases the ability to anchor at the point of attack and consistently wins in the run game. Has had some injury problems of late but has the makings of a solid starting interior lineman at the next level.

DL Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh

A gifted athlete for his size who possesses the type of length and power to shed blocks on contact and consistently make plays in both the run and pass game.

DL Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida

Offers as much upside as any prospect in this year's draft. The sky's the limit for this 6-6, 265-pound defensive end.

DL George Selvie, South Florida

Exhibits an explosive first step and has the speed to consistently threaten the corner. However, he lacks ideal size and will likely need to make the transition to more of a 3-4 OLB role in the NFL.

LB Greg Lloyd, ConnecticutDisplays a real thump on contact and plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played. However, he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee in November and will now need to work his way back.

LB Kion Wilson, South Florida

Doesn’t “wow” you in any area of the game but exhibits the athletic ability needed to play on special teams and make an NFL roster as a reserve-type linebacker.

LB Lawrence Wilson, Connecticut

An impressive athlete who displays the ability to play in space and quickly close on the football. An ideal weak-side linebacker type at the next level.

DB Devin McCourty, Rutgers

Has the ability to press off the line, find the ball down the field and make an NFL roster.

DB Nate Allen, South Florida

A smart, instinctive safety who has a nose for the ball and the athleticism needed to start in an NFL secondary.

DB Jerome Murphy, South Florida

An overrated size/speed corner who struggles with his footwork but showcases the athletic ability to run with NFL-caliber receivers down the field.

DB Robert Vaughn, Connecticut

Looks natural in coverage and does a nice job keeping his feet under him and getting out of his breaks. However, he plays at one speed and looks like little more than a reserve-type safety at the next level.

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