Fansided

20 college football players who should be highly paid in 2017

By Nathaniel Reeves

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Darnold No. 14 of the USC Trojans looks to pass the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Darnold No. 14 of the USC Trojans looks to pass the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: Boston College Eagles defensive end Harold Landry (7) gets to Wagner Seahawks quarterback Alex Thomson (19) for a sack during the third quarter at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass., on Sept. 24, 2016.
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: Boston College Eagles defensive end Harold Landry (7) gets to Wagner Seahawks quarterback Alex Thomson (19) for a sack during the third quarter at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass., on Sept. 24, 2016. /

10. Harold Landry, DE, Boston College

While Boston College doesn’t stand out as a program known for attracting top-tier talent over the past few years, it still has one of the nation’s most valuable defenders in Landry.

Landry was pegged as a three-star recruit out of Pine Forest High School in North Carolina and chose Boston College over the likes of Auburn, Clemson and Ohio State. After sitting on the bench for most of his freshman season, Landry developed into a star to lead a Eagles defense that has quietly been among the best in the nation over the past two years.

In his first real chance at playing time in 2015, Landry piled up 60 tackles, including 16.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks. The following campaign was even better, as Landry amassed 16.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles to lead the nation, along with 22 tackles for loss and four pass defenses.

Boston College finished top 10 nationally in a number of defensive categories en route to its first bowl victory in a decade, with Landry standing out as the main reason why. Landry has terrific athleticism and closing speed  at 6-3, 250 pounds, making him a force against both the pass and run.

Premier pass rushers carry a large price tag right now, and there’s no doubt Landry is among the best in the nation. A 2017 salary of $15 million to put Landry in the Calais Campbell;/Everson Griffin range would be well worth it for the Eagles..

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