Taking A Look At College Fooball's Best OG.

[Cat'sGrowl]

David DeCastro, #52 OG, Stanford University

Bio Blast: 6'5" 310

Pro Comparison: Has drawn comparisons to Steve Hutchinson, though I don't know how much I like the comparison. Reminds me personally of a young Mike Wahle.

Player bio, per Stanford Cardinal website:

AT STANFORD: Veteran offensive lineman has made 26 starts over the last two seasons...listed as a second team preseason All-American by Phil Steele Magazine...anchors an offensive line that has allowed just 13 sacks over the last two campaigns and one that has helped pave the way for Stanford's running game to record two of the highest single-season rushing totals in school history...smart, dependable player who will certainly provide leadership to a retooled offensive front line.

2010 (SOPHOMORE): First team All-Pac-10 selection...was part of an outstanding offensive line that included first team All-America Chase Beeler, Jonathan Martin and Derek Hall...started all 13 games at the right guard position...blocking skills helped pave the way for a Stanford rushing attack to average 213.8 yards and amass the second-highest rushing total (2,779) in school history...line has also allowed the second-fewest sacks on average (0.46) in the nation...one of five players to earn the Frank Rehm Award for outstanding play in the Big Game against Cal.

2009 (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN): Earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 marks after starting all 13 games as a redshirt freshman at right guard...was one of two redshirt freshmen on the offensive line along with Jonathan Martin...excellent run blocker help pave the way for the Cardinal to average 218.2 yards a game on the ground and set the school's single-season rushing mark of 2,837 yards...part of an offensive line that allowed a Pac-10-low 7.0 sacks on the year.

2008 (FRESHMAN): Did not see action.

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Bellevue (Wash.) High School...ranked as high as No. 3 nationally for centers by Scout.com, while checking in at No. 7 by ESPN.com and No. 11 by Rivals.com...listed as the No. 3 prospect in Washington by SuperPrep as well as the No. 6 overall recruit in the state of Washington by both Scout.com and Rivals.com...SuperPrep also ranked him the No. 21 offensive lineman in the country...selected as the No. 12 player in the Northwest and the No. 247 player in the nation by Scout.com...a SuperPrep All-American and also earned 2007 first team All-American honors from O-D.com...all-state performer who was named the King County Lineman of the Year...played in the Offense-Defense All-American Game following his senior season ...helped lead his club to a prep state title in 2006...also threw the shot put in high school and was the 2008 Washington State 3A champion with a throw of 59-3...also won the district (58-4) and the KingCo 3A League (58-1 ½), as well...majoring in management, science and engineering.

Why the Panthers should draft him:

Decastro is arguably the top offensive line prospect in this year's class, and has a chance to be this year's Mike Pouncey. The best guard prospect in some time, Decastro could step in for the Panthers and start immediately to bolster the all so important interior of the offensive line, at a position for the Panthers which isn't stacked with depth. Working primarily in the run game and off the play action pass at Stanford, Decastro showed great quickness as a Guard and spent a lot of time pulling and leading the way for Cardinal running backs. Don't be confused, however, a Guard isn't rated this high if he isn't the complete package.

Decastro has excellent technique and makes great use of his arms, and is great at trapping defenders. Decastro's biggest weakness comes against big defensive tackles with big bull rushes, but certainly has the frame to add weight as he develops as a player. He's a smart football player who can read the blitzes that so often came directly through the 2 and 3 gaps. While the Panthers certainly need more help defensively, if the value isn't there, Decastro would certainly be a great selection.

David Decastro evaluation from 2010 season and 2011 UCLA highlights:

[wesley17]

I think we should take DeCastro with our first. He will be the BPA when we draft. Gross is still playing at a high level and otah is in a contract year so I think he will play lights out. Bell wasn't that bad and will only get better with a year of experience and DeCastro next to him on the right side if Otah does get injured again. Drafting DeCastro would also give us leverage with Wharton in taking a pay cut or we can just cut him and still have a really good offensive line. If we trade back in the draft he's gonna be gone.

I also think this years draft is so deep at corner we should be able to get a good starter in the second round.

[Kevin Greene]

Would love to have him but at #8 no thanks.

Maybe in a trade down and grab picks scenario.

[Cat'sGrowl]

Trading down almost eliminates the chances of drafting him. At this point he's all but a lock for the top 10.

[FigNewtons]

Trading down almost eliminates the chances of drafting him. At this point he's all but a lock for the top 10.

Idk, I haven't seen him mocked in the top ten that much, though his stock does appear to be rising. I think we could safely trade down to the 10-13 range and grab him, and pick up an extra pick in the process.

I completely agree that he'd be our best option in the 1st though. Guards are fairly bust proof in the 1st, and he'd instantly improve the O-line.

[kdrh5]

Trading down and still being able to draft him would totally be a win.

[Cat'sGrowl]

If we could move down and snag a third and acquire him, then by all means do. But if his stock continues to rise I don't know how far you could move down. If he slips up at the combine or his pro day though, it becomes an even more viable option.

[panther4life]

Nothing against him but i'd rather reach if you even want to call if that for a corner.

[Jackofalltrades]

I love DeCastro, but not at 9. In the teens yes.

Schwartz was very good in 2010 and shows a lot of promise.

[Cat'sGrowl]

There is almost no chance he falls farther than 13.

[Jackofalltrades]

Agree.