David DeCastro is entering his third NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and has never made the Pro Bowl. However, he thinks he is a Pro Bowl player, and is determined to make the all star festivities this season.
"Personally, I think I can be a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but obviously that comes behind the team goals," DeCastro told Will Graves of the AP. "For me to get there, the best way is to have a good offensive line and a good team."
DeCastro knows the game. He holds the pedigree of an all pro guard coming from Standford, being a first round draft pick and even having the same number as one of the greatest lineman in Steelers' history, Alan Faneca, but his understanding that his personal goals take a back seat to the team goals is what could drive him to be great.
Although the individual goal of making a Pro Bowl is not the same as a team goal, they are certainly hinged together. If the Steelers offensive line can mesh and remain healthy, the recognition for the individuals will come. Don't think DeCastro is alone in thinking this could be a big year for him and the offensive line in a lot of ways.
The man who plays along side DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey, had this to say about his line mate.
"He's definitely Pro Bowl caliber and All-Pro caliber," "I think everybody knows the potential he has and the year he had last year was excellent. He's putting in the work and it's definitely going to show."
Regardless of praise from the media, his teammates or fans, DeCastro realizes that this year could be a turning point in his career, and the way he feels could be a great start for the third year lineman.
"I feel confident, very comfortable and I look forward to going out there and getting started."
Typically it is the third year that players elevate their game to a new level, and the offensive line could use a Pro Bowl guard for the Steelers to see success in 2014.