David DeCastro, OMFG!

[The Lung]

Oh, my God! I'm so damn happy right now!!!! Never ever did I think the Steelers could get DeCastro at #24!!!!!!!!!

It's Christmas in April!!!!!

Haven't been this excited about a draft pick since Maurkice Pouncey.

The Steelers could draft Vontaze Burflict with every remaining pick in this draft and I would still give it an A+.

[stomperrob]

It'll be interesting to see what Big Ben can do if he doesn't have to scramble for his life on every play!

[stomperrob]

Draft Analysis:

Mayock's take: "He's a natural Pittsburgh Steeler. He's a plug-and-play guard. The Steelers have had all kinds of problems up front, and this kid fits in Pittsburgh."

Overview
DeCastro is an extremely polished guard out of Stanford who started for three consecutive years. While he is considered an early entry junior, he spent four years at Stanford and has already graduated. He is a disciplined and NFL-ready player who likely will warrant a starting spot immediately through his play. He could be one of the highest draft picks at the guard position in recent years, and he could easily go in the top 10.
Analysis

Strengths
DeCastro is a technician on the field and is beautiful to watch for those who respect offensive line play. He is very quick off the ball to get into his block. DeCastro is able to shuffle nicely to avoid trash when pulling or down blocking. Once engaged, he is very strong to his ground. He demonstrates a good snap upon contact with defenders and is usually the one providing the drive-back pressure on his man. Once locked on his man, he can drive and maneuver them at will using his very strong upper body. DeCastro is extremely controlled in his movements, and he has body control and overall balance that is rare for a man his size. DeCastro is very athletic on the move and can key in and adjust well on his moving target. It's nearly impossible to find many weak points in DeCastro's play throughout college, and he could easily be the best lineman on his team as a rookie.

con't...

more: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/profiles/ ... id=2533043

[mattb47]

Great pick! It's always nice when we pick a guy no mock had us taking because there was never a reason to think he would possibly be available by the time we picked. It's unusual that one of our yearly "value picks" coincides with a real need pick as well, really makes it a perfect pick for us.

[The Lung]

I am still giddy today!

In a few years, and after the Steelers win their 7th Superbowl championship, this pick will come to be known as:

"THE IMMACULATE SELECTION"

[stomperrob]

Day 2:

Round 2, Pick 24 (56)

Mike Adams OT 6'7" 323 Ohio St.

Pick Analysis: Mayock's take: "He would've been a first-round pick had he not failed the drug test at the combine. He's got left-tackle feet. There's some off-the-field issues, but he's a gifted left tackle. Now with him and David DeCastro in the first round, this is a completely different offensive line."


Round 3, Pick 23 (86)

Sean Spence LB 5'11" 231 Miami

Pick Analysis: Mayock's take: "One of my favorite football players on tape. He's one of the more instinctive linebackers in this draft. In the 3-4 scheme in Pittsburgh, he's going to have to play outside or that Will linebacker inside. Either way, I don't care, because I really like the way he plays."

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/tracker#d ... -input:pit

Still need that big NT

[stomperrob]

The rest of the draft:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/tracker#d ... -input:pit

[stomperrob]

That looked really, really bad.

Rookie guard David DeCastro had his right knee bent awkwardly while pass protecting on the Steelers' second series of the game. In obvious pain, the team's first-round draft pick was taken off the field on a cart into the locker room for tests. He did not return. The question now becomes, how serious is the injury, and can he return this season? The Steelers had no immediate update.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/spo ... z24cIhBpcF