With training camp scheduled to begin in about six weeks, we have entered into the season of player lists. Continuing to chronicle those presented by CBS Sports, the transition has been made to the offensive side of the ball. With the Steelers already placing players high in the defensive back category as well as landing the top spot for edge rushers, they even received kudos for Chris Boswell in the kicking department.
Looking at the interior offensive line, Tyler Sullivan has come out with a top 10 list where Steelers guard David DeCastro falls into the sixth spot.
Top 10 interior offensive linemen in the NFL
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) June 26, 2020
(According to @TylerSully)
1. Quenton Nelson
2. Zack Martin
3. Jason Kelce
4. Joe Thuney
5. Brandon Scherff
6. David DeCastro
7. Ryan Jensen
8. Ali Marpet
9. Joel Bitonio
10. Rodney Hudson pic.twitter.com/iI7gqprQIB
Entering his ninth season with the Steelers, DeCastro is coming off five straight Pro Bowl seasons with two All-Pro selections sprinkled in for 2015 and 2017. Starting all 16 games in 2019, DeCastro has continually been regarded as one of the best offensive guards in the league.
The only other representative on the list from the AFC North is Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio. With the retirement of Ravens All-Pro Marshal Yanda, the honor of best guard in the AFC North will be up for grabs in 2020.
One interesting player of note on the list is Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson who nabbed the top spot in the rankings. While Nelson is regarded as the top guard in the league, his ranking should have factored in more when it came to the defensive line as Cameron Heyward was placed in the seventh position. In the Steelers Week 9 matchup against the Colts at Heinz Field, Heyward made Nelson look less than stellar as he physically dominated him at various points in the game. On one play of note, Heyward drove Nelson back into quarterback Jacoby Brissett causing him to leave the game with an injury.
As for DeCastro, 2020 could be a pivotal season for both him and the entire Steelers offensive line. Having what was considered a down year in 2019, the return of Ben Roethlisberger has long been believed to help the entire offense improve from last season. Simply because they do not touch the ball does not mean the offensive line would not benefit from the future Hall of Famer‘s return.
So is CBS Sports accurate in placing DeCastro at number six on their list? Remember, it was not based off of 2019 production but the projection of play for 2020. Make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below.