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Pittsburgh Steelers: Top 5 draft picks from the 2010’s

By David Glancy

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 01: Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro #66 in action during the game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 1, 2015 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 01: Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro #66 in action during the game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 1, 2015 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. Stanford. David DeCastro. Pick Analysis. Right Guard. 24. player. 871

David DeCastro, OG

It was difficult to pick just five players from the past decade looking back at Pittsburgh Steelers teams with a surplus of Pro Bowlers. Ultimately, DeCastro was ranked just ahead of other former first-round selections Maurkice Pouncey and Ryan Shazier, while second-rounder Stephon Tuitt and 2013 sixth-round steal Vince Williams just missed out.

While Ben, Brown, and Bell took most of the offensive headlines this past decade, DeCastro has made an instant impact in Pittsburgh since he was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2012 Draft. DeCastro was the third offensive lineman selected in the 2012 Draft and the first guard. The Steelers took the best available player with the 24th selection and DeCastro would go on to take a starting role in his first season.

DeCastro has played at an All-Pro level throughout his eight-year career and has earned first-team All-Pro honors twice, second-team All-Pro honors once, and has made five Pro Bowl appearances. DeCastro has consistently ranked near the top of Pro Football Focus’s offensive lineman ratings and has ranked as one of the top offensive guards since coming into the NFL.

DeCastro has been a vital part of a Pittsburgh Steeler offense that would set a franchise scoring record in 2014 followed by the second and third most prolific offenses in franchise history in 2018 and 2015, respectively.

The selection of David DeCastro has led to the success of DeAngelo Williams, Le’Veon Bell, and James Conner and Roethlisberger’s transition to one of the league’s most decorated passers.

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