SB Nation Bay Area - 2012 NFL Draft: Andrew Luck, David DeCastro The Two Stanford First Roundershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48817/bayrea-fave.png2012-07-23T12:09:46-07:00http://bayarea.sbnation.com/rss/stream/27404992012-07-23T12:09:46-07:002012-07-23T12:09:46-07:00David DeCastro Signs Rookie Deal With Pittsburgh Steelers
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<p>According to a <a href="https://twitter.com/BobLabriola/status/227455234069364736">tweet from Steelers Digest's Bob Labriola</a>, the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> have agreed to terms with their top pick, Stanford OG <span>David DeCastro</span>.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/EdBouchette/status/227455456455557120">Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette tweeted</a> that DeCastro signed a four-year deal with a fifth-year option.</p>
<p>The no. 24 pick overall was seen as the best interior offensive lineman prospect in the draft and the best one to come along in years. DeCastro will more than likely slide right into one of the guard spots - most likely <span>Doug Legursky's</span> left guard spot - and start right away for the Steelers on what is shaping up to be an imposing line in front of quarterback <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span>.</p>
<p>DeCastro gave up only one sack during his entire college career and his intense demeanor should fit right into a Steelers' culture of professionalism, grit and passion.</p>
<p>Oh, and he'll help keep Roethlisberger off his backside, which is always a good thing if you're a Steelers fan.</p>
<p><em>To discuss DeCastro with Stanford football fans, check out <a href="http://www.ruleoftree.com"><strong>Rule of Tree.</strong></a></em></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/california-golden-bears/2012/7/23/3178254/david-decastro-signs-rookie-deal-with-pittsburgh-steelers-stanford-cardinalRonald Clark2012-06-02T09:52:08-07:002012-06-02T09:52:08-07:00Andrew Luck Is About To Become A Very Rich Man With The Colts
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<p>After spending the last few years as a student-athlete at Stanford University, quarterback <span>Andrew Luck</span> is about to become very, very wealthy with the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indianapolis Colts</a>. While the NFL has implemented a rookie pay scale in order to keep their contracts somewhat reasonable -- it's the JaMarcus Russell Rule -- Luck is still set to earn boatloads of cash after being the No. 1 draft pick a few months ago.</p>
<p>He is yet to sign his rookie deal with the Indianapolis Colts, but the talks appear to be progressing well between both sides. Just how much is Luck expected to make in his first few years as a professional quarterback? Probably more than you'll make in an entire lifetime.</p>
<p>Here is the latest from Indianapolis:</p>
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<p>Colts owner Jim Irsay said team making progress w/Andrew Luck. . . . maybe they get this done soon. Luck should get approx. $23-24 mill/4yrs</p>
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) <a data-datetime="2012-06-02T16:04:36+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/mchappell51/status/208952262565953536">June 2, 2012</a>
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<p>Not too shabby for being all of 22 years old.</p>
<p>Luck is expected to be the Colts' starter from day one of the season, so it's pretty safe to say he's going to earn that money. He'll be replacing a legend in <span>Peyton Manning</span> who has been the highest paid NFL player for the last decade or so ... what's seven or eight million dollars a season when a franchise has been paying their quarterback upwards of $20 million for years?</p>
<p><i>For more on Luck and the Colts be sure to check out <a href="http://stampedeblue.com" target="_blank">Stampede Blue</a>. For more on the Stanford Cardinal head on over to <a href="http://ruleoftree.com" target="_blank">Rule of Tree</a>.</i></p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2012/6/2/3059350/andrew-luck-indianapoilis-colts-contractScott Coleman2012-05-01T17:47:21-07:002012-05-01T17:47:21-07:00Coby Fleener Talks About Reuniting With Andrew Luck In the Pros
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<p>Tight end <span>Coby Fleener</span> was <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a>' 2nd pick in last weekend's NFL Draft, in an apparent (and logical) effort to relocate the chemistry between their first pick, <span>Andrew Luck</span>, and his go-to tight end from their days at Stanford together to Indianapolis. Fleener caught 60 passes and 17 touchdowns from Luck over the last two seasons, and the Colts are obviously looking to make the first overall pick's transition to the NFL as smooth as possible by bringing in his favorite target. It doesn't hurt that Fleener was this draft class' top ranked tight end. </p>
<p>When <a target="_blank" href="http://sportsradiointerviews.com/2012/05/01/coby-fleener-andrew-luck-indianapolis-colts-nfl-draft/">asked recently about their reunion in Indy</a>, Fleener responded:</p>
<p>"We knew it was a possibility, but at the same time, Andrew basically said, ‘I don't know what their game plan is. Obviously you have my support but it's ultimately up to them.' Thankfully I saw the Indianapolis area code when I got my phone ringing and I was happy as could be."</p>
<p>Just how surprised was Fleener?</p>
<p>"I had no idea what teams were interested and what weren't. I met with 14 teams at the Combine and met with a bunch of coaches as well outside of that - probably close to all 32 teams. And so it was tough for me to tell. Some teams try to throw you off by meeting with you, throw other people off by meeting with you, and you just never really know."</p>
<p>In the end, the Colts were fortunate that the talented tight end fell into the 2nd round, and they didn't hesitate to select him. It should be interesting to see if they can carry-over some of the success they had at Stanford into the pros. </p>
<p><b><i>Check out the SB Nation NFL YouTube channel more below for more coverage.</i></b></p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2012/5/1/2992673/coby-fleener-talks-about-reuniting-with-andrew-luck-in-the-prosDanny Kelly2012-04-30T15:23:14-07:002012-04-30T15:23:14-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2013: Keenan Allen To St. Louis Rams
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<p>Stanford was the team that put Bay Area prospects in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Is it Cal's turn in 2013?<br><br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113629/keenan-allen">Keenan Allen</a> is a pretty impressive player to watch and is definitely the best talent on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/california-golden-bears">California Golden Bears</a> going into the 2012 college football regular season. Allen possesses excellent route-running skills, great athleticism, and ability to adjust to poor throws. There's a lot of potential for Allen to become a number one receiving option in an NFL offense immediately, and he's expected to turn pro after his junior season.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/4/30/2987560/2013-nfl-mock-draft-matt-barkley">Ryan Van Bibber released his first mock draft for 2013</a>, and it has Allen going 10th overall in this draft. Allen ends up with the St. Louis Rams here, as they're in need of a top option for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8315/sam-bradford">Sam Bradford</a> to throw the football toward.</p>
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<p>The Rams added depth and some good role players at the position. Now, they can finally add a true No. 1 to the roster.</p>
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<p>Allen on the Rams would make quite a lot of sense, and you have to figure that Allen could be a top option on multiple teams.</p>
<p><i><b>Talk about Allen with Cal football fans <a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com">over at the California Golden Blogs</a>. Hit up Allen with Rams fans at<a target="_blank" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com"> Turf Show Times</a>. </b></i></p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/california-golden-bears/2012/4/30/2989803/nfl-mock-draft-2013-st-louis-rams-keenan-allenAvinash Kunnath2012-04-30T03:30:06-07:002012-04-30T03:30:06-07:002012 NFL Draft Grades: Indianapolis Colts Picking Andrew Luck, Coby Fleener Nets An A-
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<p>Two Stanford Cardinal were picked with the first two selections by the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Andrew Luck was taken with the first overall pick, and tight end Coby Fleener was taken in the second round with the 34th overall pick. Luck and Fleener are familiar with each other as they've been good in the passing game</p>
<p>The Colts didn't get a perfect grade, but they did alright, and much of that has to do with the selection of the two Cardinal players. <a target="_blank" href="http://nfl.si.com/2012/04/29/2012-nfl-draft-grades/?xid=sbnation">Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated files this report card</a>.</p>
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<p><strong> </strong>I would like to have seen an earlier WR pick, but getting the electric T.Y. Hilton (92) and a pair of tight ends (Coby Fleener at 34 and Dwayne Allen at 64) gives Andrew Luck some nice weapons — and provides the Colts a nice offensive base. Don’t sleep on RB Vick Ballard (170).</p>
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<p>Luck and Fleener could be the first building blocks along with Hilton and Allen as part of the new Colts offense.</p>
<p><i><b>To talk about the Colts picking Luck and Fleener, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.stampedeblue.com">head on over to Stampede Blue</a>. To discuss Luck and Fleener with Stanford football fans, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ruleoftree.com">check out Rule of Tree</a>. </b></i></p>
<p>More NFL Draft coverage can be found on the SB Nation YouTube channel below.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/california-golden-bears/2012/4/30/2987904/2012-nfl-draft-grades-indianapolis-colts-andrew-luck-coby-fleenerAvinash Kunnath2012-04-28T14:57:56-07:002012-04-28T14:57:56-07:002012 NFL Draft Results: Cal's Trevor Guyton Selected By Vikings In Seventh Round
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<p><span id="internal-source-marker_0.3660041589755565">With the No. 219 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings picked <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/california-golden-bears">California Golden Bears</a> defensive end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35680/trevor-guyton">Trevor Guyton</a>. Guyton is now the third Cal defensive lineman to be picked in as many years, joining Tyson Alulau (drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round in 2010) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9116/cameron-jordan">Cameron Jordan</a> (drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round in 2011). </span></p>
<p><span id="internal-source-marker_0.3660041589755565"><a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2012/4/20/2961155/remembering-the-2011-football-seniors-trevor-guyton">Guyton had big shoes to fit in </a>as he had to replace Jordan as the dominant defensive end at Cal, but he did his best to fill in that role. Guyton proved he could be stout in run defense while occasionally zone-dropping to watch short and intermediate routes. He wasn't an outstanding pass rusher, but he did manage to put up some great numbers. He is a solid mid-round prospect at defensive end and could very well be a good pickup at the spot he was picked up at. </span></p>
<p>He'll join a Vikings team that has long been known for its strong defensive line play, but is certainly getting up there in age. It's likely that Guyton will have a big chance to compete for playing time early on.</p>
<p><span id="internal-source-marker_0.963037294568494"><i>Follow along with the entire NFL draft at SB Nation's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/4/26/2978488/nfl-draft-2012-results-live-coverage-analysis">main story stream</a> and at <a href="http://mockingthedraft.com/">Mocking The Draft</a>. For more on the California Golden Bears, check out <a href="http://californiagoldenblogs.com/">California Golden Blogs</a>.</i></span></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/california-golden-bears/2012/4/28/2984855/2012-nfl-draft-results-cal-tervor-guyton-vikings-sixth-roundJames Brady2012-04-28T12:32:33-07:002012-04-28T12:32:33-07:002012 NFL Draft Results: Cal's Marvin Jones Goes To Cincinnati Bengals
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<p><span id="internal-source-marker_0.6068772820290178">With the No. 166 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals took Cal wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35651/marvin-jones">Marvin Jones</a>. Jones probably wasn't high on the radar of many teams in this draft, but his offseason was outstanding. Jones showed off great pro skills at the Senior Bowl and proved that he was among the best available talents in this draft. Cincinnati just added a reliable receiver who could be No. 2 behind <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36143/a-j-green">A.J. Green</a>, a 2011 first-round pick.</span></p>
<p><span id="internal-source-marker_0.6068772820290178"><a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2012/3/28/2899820/remembering-the-cal-football-seniors-mychal-kendricks">Jones possesses many of the important pro-style receiving attributes</a>. He knows how to run all the required routes and excels at going inside or outside. He can be an occasional end-around threat to stretch the field but is more suited for going down the field, either in the slot or as a flanker. Jones is solid at blocking on running plays as well, helping open up holes for one of the better running attacks in the Pac-12. Jones did struggle with drops, but for the most part he excelled as a top-flight wideout alongside <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113629/keenan-allen">Keenan Allen</a>.</span></p>
<p><span id="internal-source-marker_0.6068772820290178">Jones finished in the historical top ten among all Cal players in receiving yards, receptions, and receiving touchdowns despite not once having a good quarterback throwing him the football. Could he be that productive at the next level? </span></p>
<p><span id="internal-source-marker_0.015585502376779914"><i>Follow along with the entire NFL draft at SB Nation's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/4/26/2978488/nfl-draft-2012-results-live-coverage-analysis">main story stream</a> and at <a href="http://mockingthedraft.com/">Mocking The Draft</a>. For more on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/california-golden-bears">California Golden Bears</a>, check out <a href="http://californiagoldenblogs.com/">California Golden Blogs</a>.</i></span></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/california-golden-bears/2012/4/28/2978256/2012-nfl-draft-results-marvin-jones-cal-cincinnati-bengalsJames Brady2012-04-28T04:45:03-07:002012-04-28T04:45:03-07:002012 NFL Draft: Marvin Jones, Trevor Guyton, Duke Ihenacho, Chris Owusu Best Bay Area Prospects Remaining
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<p>The Bay Area piled up five more draft picks in the second and third rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft, so who is left from the Cal and Stanford draft boards that could be picked up? </p>
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<li>Cal wide reciever <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35651/marvin-jones">Marvin Jones</a> figures to be the next player to make it out. Jones is probably one of the best wide receivers left on the board and could be a very polished option in the right system. The Golden Bear could be picked in the 4th or 5th rounds.<br>
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<li>Cal defensive end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35680/trevor-guyton">Trevor Guyton</a> would be next. Guyton is one of those possible gems at defensive end who could be found in later rounds and be developed into a starter over time. He figures to be a later round pick. </li>
<li>Stanford has one player left that might be picked in wide receiver Chris Owusu. He was a great return man early in his career and often managed to be a deep option downfield. But he struggled with injuries in his final two seasons and might have trouble attracting a team. <br>
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<li>San Jose State strong safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/14657/duke-ihenacho">Duke Ihenacho</a> might get picked sometime on Saturday, as he's one of the stronger prospects in an area of need for multiple teams.<br>
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<p>Other dark horse possibilities from the Bay Area include Stanford safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37741/delano-howell">Delano Howell</a>, Stanford defensive end Matt Masifilo, Stanford safety Jonathan Bademosi, Cal strong safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9030/sean-cattouse">Sean Cattouse</a>, Cal free safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9023/d-j-campbell">D.J. Campbell</a>, Cal defensive end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9114/ernest-owusu">Ernest Owusu</a>, Cal inside linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9012/d-j-holt">D.J. Holt</a>, and Cal tight end Anthony Miller.</p>
<p><i><b>To discuss players like Fleener and Martin with Stanford football fans, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ruleoftree.com">hit up Rule of Tree</a>. To talk about Kendricks, Schwartz, and Jones, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com">head on over to the California Golden Blogs</a>.</b></i></p>
<p>More NFL Draft coverage can be found below.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/california-golden-bears/2012/4/28/2982834/2012-nfl-draft-marvin-jones-trevor-guyton-chris-owusu-duke-ihenachoAvinash Kunnath