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.