Over the last several years, the Big East and its newest member, Temple, have produced a number of defensive linemen who have been plucked in the early rounds in the NFL Draft.

The league has showcased a wealth of talent beyond Jason Pierre-Paul. The list includes: 2012 selections Chandler Jones (Syracuse) and Kendall Reyes (Connecticut), Pittsburgh DE/LB Jabaal Sheard, as well as former Temple DT Muhammad Wilkerson and former Cincinnati DE/LB Connor Barwin.

This year's crop of defensive linemen offers similar potential. In Athlon Sports' list of the Top 50 Big East players for the 2012 season, five of the top 25 are defensive linemen. It's headed by Pitt DL Aaron Donald, who is ranked No. 2 overall.

Top 5 defensive linemen in the Big East

1. Aaron Donald, junior, Pitt

Donald comes off a tremendous season when he recorded 11 sacks and an astounding 16.5 tackles for a loss. He will move from DE to DT as Pitt makes the transition into a 3-4 scheme. Donald will shoulder a large burden as the only returning starter on the front seven. He must open gaps in the middle to allow the Panthers' LBs to get penetration.

2. Trevardo Williams, senior, Uconn

Williams is vastly underrated at No. 18 overall on Athlon's list. In 2011, Williams led the Big East in sacks with 12.5 and added 15 tackles for a loss. The 6-1, 231-pound senior is arguably the top speed rusher in the conference. In high school, he defeated former Huskies RB Jordan Todman in the 100 at the New England Open. Last fall, he told the New Haven Register that he can still run the 100 in 10.7 seconds. It's an impressive feat considering that the bulked-up Williams can squat close to 700 pounds.

3. Ryne Giddins, redshirt junior, South Florida

Giddins is another rusher known for his speed off the edge. Giddins' elite speed helped him earn USA Today First-Team All-American honors coming out of high school. At 6-3 and 265 pounds, he has more than 30 pounds on Williams. The DE continues to hone his technique to become fluid enough to consistently elude opposing tackles. If the Bulls' lineman can add a dependable bull rush, he may double his 2011 sack total of 5.5.

4. Walter Stewart, senior, Cincinnati

The senior defensive end (6-3, 248) will help lead a unit that lost DT Derek Wolfe, the 2011 Big East co-defensive player of the year. Stewart has gained more than 30 pounds since arriving at Cincinnati and has made the transition from linebacker to end seamlessly. The instincts he developed at linebacker have helped ease his transition. Last season, Stewart finished with eight pass deflections -- one of the highest totals among defensive linemen in FBS.

5. Scott Valone, redshirt senior, Rutgers

Valone is one of the leaders on the Big East's most talented defense. The 6-3, 275-pound defensive lineman is surrounded by playmakers in LB Khaseem Greene and DB Logan Ryan. If Valone and fellow DLs Jamil Merrell, Michael Larrow and Isaac Holmes can create a consistent push up front, the Scarlet Knights could be stingy on defense in 2012. Valone had 58 tackles and 8.5 tackles for a loss in 2011.

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