This season has been a nightmare so far for Pittsburgh quarterback Tino Sunseri. (Getty Images)

If there's one thing the Big East can hang its collective hat on, it is the consistent stream of solid defensive linemen. This season is proving no different, as Cincinnati's Walter Stewart and Connecticut's Trevardo Williams are continuing the trend. 

Stewart, the conference defensive player of the week, heads the list of Big East players who improved their draft stock this past week.

3 on the rise

  • Walter Stewart, Cincinnati: There is a lot on Stewart's shoulders, as he is looked upon to anchor a defensive line that saw two players drafted in 2012. In the Bearcats' opener, Stewart wreaked havoc in the Pittsburgh backfield, notching 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. He finished with nine tackles overall, and he should continue to be a force on an opportunistic Cincinnati defensive unit.
  • Trevardo Williams, Connecticut: Like Stewart, Williams was a problem for the opposing offensive line. Williams finished Saturday's loss to North Carolina State with 2.5 sacks, leading the Huskie defense that finished with six sacks in total. If nothing else, Williams will have plenty opportunities to make his mark, as the UConn offense has not been able to stay on the field long.
  • B.J. Daniels, South Florida: Two late touchdown bombs by Daniels -- a 52-yarder and a 56-yarder with less than a minute left -- gave the Bulls a thrilling comeback win over Nevada on the road. Daniels had a solid all around game, throwing for three touchdowns and 363 yards. His size and arm will have pro scouts drooling, if he can keep from making too many mistakes. So far, so good.

2 who are falling

No ad available
  • Tino Sunseri, Pittsburgh: The senior wasn't much of a prospect prior to the season, but he had hoped to make an impression on scouts with dynamic athletes all around him. Despite having running back Ray Graham and wide receivers Devin Street and Mike Shanahan, Sunseri has failed to produce. Though his numbers are OK -- 517 yards, two scores -- Sunseri has made some mental errors in Pitt's horrendous 0-2 start.
  • Mark Harrison, Rutgers: Also an outsider to get picked, Harrison has been ineffective in two easy wins for the Scarlet Knights. He will have a chance to be more involved once Rutgers is forced to throw more, and perhaps sophomore quarterback Gary Nova will be more comfortable in the offense as the season goes on. But in two games, Harrison has just eight catches for 37 yards.

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