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2012 POD Mock Draft: St. Louis Rams Select David DeCastro

By Sean Yuille
Mar 22, 2012; Stanford CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard David DeCastro during pro day at Stanford Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE
Mar 22, 2012; Stanford CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard David DeCastro during pro day at Stanford Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

With the sixth pick of Pride of Detroit's 2012 NFL mock draft, the St. Louis Rams select Stanford offensive guard David DeCastro. Ee Oulo is serving as the Rams' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.

This pick is the coup de grâce of a three-year endeavor to create a dominant OL that has spanned two front offices. DeCastro is one of the most surefire OL picks in recent memory and will have a huge impact on this unit. The impact of this pick is likely to extend its influence past his position by salvaging past drafts as well! His presence, amplified by the addition theft of C Scott Wells from Green Bay, will have a redeeming factor for last year's 33rd pick, LT Rodger Saffold. It might even be far reaching enough to light a fire under perceived bust of the second overall pick in 2009, Jason Smith. With a line that is likely to read (left to right) as Saffold, DeCastro, Wells, Dahl and Smith, a unit of pitiful weakness now becomes potentially elite.

Beyond the impact of this addition on the OL directly, it will also elevate the play of the entire offense! This future Pro-Bowl guard will be instrumental in opening up huge holes for Steven Jackson, therefore increasing his production and perhaps extending his career. Having the strength, intelligence and versatility in play of this dominant OL will also play heavily in preventing 2010 No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford from getting shell shocked as well as crippled. That extra time and comfort will play huge in giving the WR corps time to develop plays and let Bradford's skill shine.

While some are sure to think this is a reach, it isn't anything other than the drafting of the clear and glaring BPA. This is selecting a future Pro-Bowler who will impact many offensive plays, and structure, for many, many seasons to follow. That is a value at any level of pick.

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Check out the 2012 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.

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