2012 NFL Draft: Why David DeCastro Is Cowboys' Best Option in Round 1

The NFL draft is rapidly approaching by the day, and there may not be a team more up in the air about who to choose than the Dallas Cowboys.

Some attest that defense should be the route Jerry Jones takes, but their are still holes to fill on the other side of the ball, as well.

This is where David DeCastro comes in, a guard from Stanford and one of the best offensive line prospects in the draft.

Here are five reasons why the Cowboys must select DeCastro with their No. 14 pick in NFL draft.

Offensive Line Is a Big Need

After letting go Kyle Kosier and not making a free agent signing for players like Carl Nicks or Ben Stubbs, the Cowboys clearly have spots to fill on the offensive line, more specifically at guard.

Last year, Tyron Smith had a great season as a rookie, starting all 16 games at the right tackle spot, and the budding star should see a smooth transition to left tackle.

But what is left of the other four spots on the offensive line?

Kosier was the most experienced lineman the Cowboys had, which would now be tackle Doug Free. The team did pick up Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau, but those two clearly aren't the future of the franchise like DeCastro would be. 

DeCastro could instantly come in and bring youth and prosperity to the offensive line along with Tyron Smith, making the Cowboys a hard-nosed, take-no-crap-from-anyone type team in an already tough NFC East. 

DeCastro Is a Star

DeCastro did nothing but impress the scouts in attendance at the NFL Combine.

For a guy who measured in at a monstrous 6'5" 315 pounds at the NFL Combine, DeCastro has deceptively quick feet and good movement. He also has proven his strength as well, throwing up 34 reps on the bench press in front of scouts. 

Just ask Andrew Luck if he appreciated this guy's play, as the All-American DeCastro started 39 games at right guard protecting Luck on a daily basis. Jason Garrett didn't attend the Stanford pro day to watch DeCastro, but the organization is still keeping a close eye on him.

If it wasn't for guys like DeCastro and Jonathan Martin at Stanford, Andrew Luck may not be in the same position as he was today—capable of earning the No. 1 pick in the draft.

DeCastro would probably still be top five, though.

Protect Romo at All Costs

Every Cowboys' fan witnessed their team's season end on a cold night in New York, as the Giants relentless pass rush got to Tony Romo for six sacks, ultimately ending the Cowboys season and paving the way for a Giants' Super Bowl victory.

If that game was an indication of anything, it would be that the offensive line just really wasn't that good in 2011—the best reason for selecting a proven prospect like David DeCastro.

Tyron Smith, Doug Free and Phil Costa along with DeCastro would instantly make the Cowboys a more competitive football team. Guys like Jason Pierre-Paul and Jason Babin aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and are each on the schedule twice a year.

If the Cowboys plan to defend Romo from all the hostility, the best choice they can make in the draft with their first-round pick would be DeCastro.

They Found Help in Free Agency

On defense, that is.

The Cowboys inked former Kansas City Chief Brandon Carr to a five-year deal, thus possibly eliminating the team from selecting a cornerback with their No. 14 overall pick.

Aside from making a splash by signing Carr, the Cowboys had few other big acquisitions.

On offense, they signed Kyle Orton to a backup quarterback role, and also fullback Lawrence Vickers and guards Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau. 

After the signing of Carr, it soon appeared the Cowboys would go a different route in Round 1 than taking a cornerback.

Offensive line may be the most needed since the boys struck out on Carl Nicks and Ben Grubbs.

No Defensive Player Worth Taking

The Cowboys could go with a number of defensive players with their first pick at No. 14 overall, whether it be a pass-rushing linebacker or a shutdown corner.

Quinton Coples, Courtney Upshaw, Dontari Poe and Dre Kirkpatrick are all guys who possess high first-round grades going into April's draft, and could potentially fall to the Cowboys.

But, Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett should pass on all of them in favor of David DeCastro.

Any defensive player Dallas could select at No. 14 would not prove to be the same low-risk, high-reward type player that DeCastro is.

Take Quinton Coples for example.

Coples is a freak athlete with splendid pass-rushing abilities, but is criticized by some for "taking plays off".

That would never be the case for a guy like DeCastro, who would solidify himself as a hard-working, elite offensive lineman in the NFL.