Big East: NFL Draft prospect watch

Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib has increased his draft stock with a stellar opening to the season. (US Presswire)

Here's the latest on the conference's top players who are projected to go from playing on Saturdays to starring on Sundays.

1. LB Khaseem Greene, 6-1, 230, Rutgers

Why he has the top spot: Greene has sizzled sideline to sideline in Rutgers' first three games. The senior linebacker has recovered fully from a horrific ankle injury in the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl and has recorded at least 10 tackles in his last five games. He is the veritable leader of a Scarlet Knights' defense that surrendered just 95 rushing yards last week in a critical win over South Florida. Greene looks a lot faster than his reported 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash.

Season stats (3 games): 34 tackles, two sacks, four TFLs, two pass defenses. Player ranking: Greene is ranked 100th overall and is the eighth-highest outside linebacker in CBSSports.com latest player rankings.

Up next: at Arkansas, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN U).

2. QB Ryan Nassib, 6-2, 223, Syracuse

Why he has the second spot: There arguably hasn't been a player in the Big East who has risen as high as Nassib's through the first three weeks. The Orange quarterback has shown he can make all the throws, has remained patient in the pocket and has exhibited a strong arm on deep routes.

In a 42-41 defeat against Northwestern, Nassib tied a Big East record for completions with 45 and set the conference all-time mark in attempts with 66. He also set a school record with 482 passing yards.

Season stats (3 games): 97-143 (67.8 completion percentage), nine TDs, three INTs, 379.7 yards per game.

Player ranking: Nassib is ranked 99th overall and is the 11th highest quarterback in CBSSports.com latest player rankings.

Up next: at Minnesota, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network).

3. OT Justin Pugh, 6-5, 298, Syracuse

Why he has the third spot: Few left tackles in FBS can match Pugh's combination of speed and athleticism. Pugh is regarded for his ability to sprint out on the second-level in run blocking situations and at times has made it stride for stride with the Orange running backs down the field. While playing defensive end in high school, Pugh flashed his speed on an interception return for a touchdown.

The redshirt junior has missed Syracuse's first three games with an upper-body injury and has been ruled out for Saturday's game vs. the Golden Gophers. The injury has caused Pugh to slide from a potential second round pick to a projected third- or fourth-round selection. If Pugh is sidelined for most of the season, he may be wise to return to Syracuse for the 2013 season.

Season stats: None

Player ranking: Pugh is ranked 112th overall and the 11th highest offensive tackle in CBSSports.com latest player rankings.

Up next: at Minnesota, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network).

Keep an eye on: DE Walter Stewart, 6-3, 249, Cincinnati

Why you should watch him? In the preseason, Bearcats coach Butch Jones described Stewart as the most intense defensive player he's ever coached. Last December vs. Connecticut, Stewart exhibited his wide-ranging skills when he shed a blocker on an inside rush and wrestled the ball away from Huskies QB Johnny McEntee in the end zone for a touchdown.

It has carried over to this season. In a season-opening win over Pittsburgh, Stewart delivered a virtuoso performance with two sacks, 3.5 TFLs, nine tackles and a forced fumble.

Though Stewart is undersized for a 4-3 defensive end, he projects well as a 3-4 outside linebacker. With former Bearcats' defensive lineman Derek Wolfe now in the NFL, expect Stewart's numbers to skyrocket throughout the season. As a result, Stewart's stock could go up in the coming months.

Season stats (2 games): 11 tackles, two sacks, 3.5 TFLs, forced fumble.

Player ranking: Stewart is ranked 161st overall and the 18th highest defensive in CBSSports.com's latest player rankings.

Up next: vs. Virginia Tech at FedEx Field, Sept. 29, TBA.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Big East, follow bloggers Evan Hilbert and Matt Rybaltowski @CBSBigEast.