iced said:
DR RAM said:
Then clearly you were not paying attention at all last year... That's all I heard, and I always pay attention.
edit: I'm out of this, seems ridiculous to argue what was pretty much a consensus last year. My opinion stands.
-sigh-
I did pay attention - just never decastro as being described as the best player in the draft, or even in that debate. Whatever.
And that's all they are. Opinions.
There's no need for anyone to get touchy about them, or insinuate that opposing views stem from not paying attention.
Last year NFL.com gave the following profile on DeCastro:
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.
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.
WEAKNESSES DeCastro is inconsistent when finishing run blocks downfield. There were times in 2011 when he would fall off his blocks at times -- although never an effort issue, there are some slight hitches in his bending and footwork downfield that cause him to fall off slightly. He is not a violent puncher with his hands, but he doesn't necessarily need to acquire that trait because he is such a technician.
GRADE: 92.5
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."
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Compared to Warmack from the same site this year:
OVERVIEW Alabama running backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson have received deserved acclaim for their production over the past three seasons, two of which ended with Tide head coach Nick Saban holding the crystal football signifying a BCS championship. One of the big reasons for the success of the team’s running attack, figuratively and literally, is the play of Warmack.
Coming out of Atlanta’s Westlake High School as a top national recruit, Warmack earned playing time at guard in five games as a true freshman. He was injected into the starting line-up the following year, starting all 13 games at left guard – the same spot where he again lined up every week in the team’s second BCS championship season last fall. The second-team All-SEC pick in 2011 brings a nice combination of strength and mobility to Alabama’s offensive line, which in and of itself would make him a potential starter at the next level.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Thick interior player. Possesses a strong punch to shock oncoming defenders and consistently extends his arms to keep them at bay in pass protection. Strong lower half helps his anchor against bull rushes. Mobile enough to effectively trap and pull, regularly negates targets coming into the hole and flattens defensive backs in his path. Practiced fitting on linebackers on combo blocks. Brings attitude on every play, constantly keeps his hands and feet moving when drive-blocking, rolling his hips through contact, and looking to pancake his man whenever possible. Doesn’t have the quickest feet, but is very technically sound and uses his strong punch to stop defenders and his length to mirror. Drives interior defensive tackle off the ball on base blocks. Has handled a number of dominating college defensive lineman with ease.
WEAKNESSES Pops straight up out of his stance at times, losing leverage battle against better tackles on occasion. Has foot speed to get out in front of screens but will miss targets and lacks the short area quickness to adjust to defenders on the move. Will stop his feet after first contact at times. Does not elite recovery speed to stop secondary rushes from quicker defensive linemen. Not asked to be a puller for Alabama’s zone-heavy run scheme.
NFL COMPARISON Carl Nicks
BOTTOM LINE Sturdy guard with dominating strength at the point of attack and enough mobility to clear the way for Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, 2012 top five pick Trent Richardson, and probable first round pick Eddie Lacy over the last three seasons. His toughness and durability are outstanding, and he grades out as one of the elite talents in the 2013 draft, and as a probable starter day one on Sundays -- and he'll stick around for a long time.
GRADE: 95.9
