2012 NFL Draft: David DeCastro Reportedly Going Pro & More On Matt Kalil

by Ryan Van Bibber on Dec 16, 2011 12:34 PM CST in 2012 NFL Draft

You probably saw the news on USC offensive tackles Matt Kalil earlier. Standford guard David DeCastro, another of the top offensive line prospects in the 2012 NFL Draft, is also reportedly going to turn pro next year. Both players would and should be of supreme interest to the St. Louis Rams who once again have major work to do on their offensive line.

DeCastro is regarded by many as a top ten prospect. In fact, he's right there below Matt Kalil as the draft's best offensive linemen. Some have even compared him to Steve Hutchinson, the Vikings guard. DeCastro has all the toughness desired in a guard and many feel like he could step in right away in the NFL as a quality starter.

The Rams need a new guard, a new center and a new offensive tackle to replace Jason Smith next year. There's been talk about moving Smith inside, but the best bet is probably getting away from the belief that he can start.

Smith aside, the Rams do have some flexibility with their linemen. Rodger Saffold could play guard and Harvey Dahl is getting some good press as a right tackle.

Drafting DeCastro second isn't a likely scenario for the Rams, not with Kalil on the board, or Justin Blackmon. However, there's always the possibility of trading down. There's plenty of time left between now and April, so stay tuned to see what happens.

Back to Matt Kalil for a moment. Russ Lande at the Sporting News praised Kalil's NFL bona fides in a news item about the tackle going pro.

Kalil has rare athleticism and feet for an offensive tackle and is just as comfortable and productive sliding out to cut off explosive pass rushers as he is pulling and blocking in space. His high-level ability to adjust in space to block defenders is a rare and highly valued commodity.

Kalil would be the left tackle the Rams never got with Jason Smith. Personally, I can't imagine this team going another year without adding the best receiver they can find.

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Comments

its possible you can grab both

if you trade the #2 pick…cant you?

by Mark Jaramillo on Dec 16, 2011 12:38 PM CST reply actions

Would be a dream come true to get both Kalil and DeCastro

join me @ Google+

by Douglas M on Dec 16, 2011 1:42 PM CST up reply actions

Personally

Grabbing another oline player at that spot makes me cringe, I could completely see then grab blackmon for the simple fact they have neglected that position for years. Smith was supposed to be a sure thing but he wasn’t, there are no sure things in the draft, hopefully whoever is here makes the right choice..

Ignorance is Bliss

by RG31 on Dec 16, 2011 12:51 PM CST via mobile reply actions

But Smith wasn't a sure thing

He was just considered by most the top OT prospect in the 2009 draft. Mike Mayock, of NFL Network, had Eugene Monroe as the top OT prospect. Smith flew up draft boards because of a great showing at the combine. Don’t fault the FO for that one, however, because LT was clearly a need and it is hard to take something other than a QB, LT, or DE with the 2nd pick, unless that player is a transcendent talent. Kalil is, even pre-combine, the consensus best LT prospect. But, like you mention, the most important thing is making the right choice, and getting the BPA at a position of need.

by mcihaelT on Dec 16, 2011 1:29 PM CST up reply actions

Smith was a fat ass tight end converted to LT

Lineman is in matt kalils blood. Jus ask his big bro

by Ram_Redemption on Dec 16, 2011 1:44 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Smith was merely

the stop OL prospect in that draft because his athleticism was far better than any other linemen.

"Vick’s 100x the player Warner was.
Desean’s not quite at Holts level.
McCoy’s giving Faulk a run for his money.
Maclin’s better than Bruce.

"Warner never took over games."

Signed, wild_eagle - the most delusional person in the entire universe.

by douchiedude on Dec 16, 2011 7:18 PM CST up reply actions

top*

"Vick’s 100x the player Warner was.
Desean’s not quite at Holts level.
McCoy’s giving Faulk a run for his money.
Maclin’s better than Bruce.

"Warner never took over games."

Signed, wild_eagle - the most delusional person in the entire universe.

by douchiedude on Dec 16, 2011 7:18 PM CST up reply actions

Combine Results

Yeah the problem with the combine is that results get in the way of actual film footage of players. Dez Bryant was supposedly slow but he was the only player gaining on DeMarco Murray during his breakaway run. Tye Hill and Justin King were fast but they can’t play football.

by Mister T on Dec 16, 2011 1:59 PM CST reply actions