April 26, 2012
STANFORD, Calif. -- - The Pittsburgh Steelers selected guard David DeCastro with the 24th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, giving Stanford two first round selections for the first time since 1992.
Earlier this evening, quarterback Andrew Luck was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the first overall pick in the draft. Luck became the fourth Stanford quarterback to be selected No. 1 overall following Bobby Garrett (1954; Cleveland), Jim Plunkett (1971; New England) and John Elway (1983; Baltimore).
DeCastro anchored Stanford's offensive line for the past three seasons, helping the Cardinal amass three of the top four single-season rushing totals in school history. The line allowed just 24 sacks over a three-year period while its pass protection allowed luck to establish school records for passing efficiency, completion percentage and touchdowns.
DeCastro was an unanimous All-America selection in 2011, landing spots on the Associated Press, Walter Camp Football Foundation, Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News and the American Football Coaches Association All-America teams. A two-time first team All-Pac-12 selection, DeCastro was also a finalist for the 2011 Outland Trophy.
He also started all 39 games in his Stanford career, helping the Cardinal to a 31-8 record and three bowl appearances since 2009.
DeCastro is the first offensive lineman from Stanford to be drafted since Kirk Chambers was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2004 draft and the first to be selected in the first round since Kwame Harris was chosen by the San Francisco 49ers with the 26th overall pick in 2003.
Other Stanford offensive linemen to be selected in the first round include Bob Whitfield (Atlanta; 1992), Brian Holloway (New England; 1981) and Gordon King (New York Giants; 1978).