Tag Archives: leaf rookies 2012

NFL

Norman, Josh (CB)

Card: Leaf Rookies 2012
Acquired: 2012, Box Breaker

Josh Norman went to lesser known Costal Carolina where he got a reputation as a gambler at cornerback.  Over his college career he snagged 13 picks, 4 forced fumbles, and 4 block kicks for the Chanticleers. After a solid Senior Bowl showing, he shot up draft charts and earned himself a combine invite with his quick feet, nose for the ball and closing burst. An intriguing and confident prospect with the right size (6’0″, 197) and good arm length, he ran a not so impressive 4.66 40. Still, Josh warranted being drafted, and the Panthers decided to take the local product with a 5th rounder, becoming only the 3rd player from CC to be drafted to the NFL.  The Panthers needed a solid cover man to start opposite Chris Gamble, and after a good camp, he was promoted to first team during the second game of the 2012 season.  A true fan with a love for the game, it is rumored that he’s slept with a football in his bed since he was a child. Josh finished his rookie season for the Panthers with 73 tackles, 7 passes defensed, and a pick for 2 yards.

Again, a slam bang job by the guys over at Leaf. They could have just settled for a crappy shot of Josh in his warmups, but instead they get him setting up at the line of scrimmage. The photo is of real high quality and overall I’m just really impressed by the quality that this company put out in such a sad sack season of design for cards.

NFL

DeCastro, David

Card: Leaf Rookies 2012
Acquired: 2012, Box Breaker

David DeCastro had been on my radar for the Texans right after they lost 2 members of their offensive line to free agency in 2012. He’d be off the board before the Texans even got a whiff of him, going to the Steelers overall with the 24th pick.

DeCastro went to Stanford University, blocking for quarterback Andrew Luck from 2008-2011. He quickly earned notice as a freshman with honorable mention All-Pac 10 honors. After being named a unanimous first team All American in 2011, he declared for the 2012 NFL draft.

He made a great overall impression with his sheer numbers. At 6’4″, 316, he was considered the best guard prospect in the draft, with great lateral speed, and a 5.43 40. The Steelers needed a new man up front to block for Ben Rothlisberger, after the team was gashed early and often by pass rushers last season. Unfortunately in the 3rd game of the preaseason, Decastro suffered a gruesome knee injury, dislocating his knee and tearing his MCL. Thankfully it looks like he will make a full recovery, and with the new NFL rules regarding IR, David hoped to be available by mid-season. Indeed DeCastro made a return in late November, and started the final 3 games of the year for the Steelers.

 

 

NFL

Wylie, Devon (1988-2023)

Card: Leaf Rookies 2012
Acquired: 2012, Box Breaker

A multifaceted speedster, Devon Wylie did it all for Fresno State as a receiver and punt returner. A sure handed pass catcher, Wylie played 4 years for the Bulldogs, amassing 98 receptions in 44 games, finishing his career there with 1327 yards and 8 touchdowns. His best season came in 2011, when he proved his worth as a fulltime starter hauling in 56 receptions for 716 yards and a 71 yard touchdown reception. Devon also had a great season as a punt returner with 29 PR for 446 yards and two touchdowns including a 79 yarder. Devon’s efforts in his senior season earned him an invite to the 2012 East West Shrine game and 3rd team All-American honors as a punt returner. 

Invited to the NFL combine, Wylie had aspirations to break the 4.3 in the 40.  Although he didn’t meet his expectations, Wylie did score a superior 4.39 time.  Projected roughly to go in the 7th round, the Chiefs stepped up and picked Wylie in the 4th round of the 2012 draft where he got some playing time in at the tail end of 2012.  Over the last 3 weeks of the season Devon had 6 receptions for 53 yards, 9 kick returns for 191 yards (21.2 avg), and 5 punt returns for 26 yards.

He’d be cut in 2013, and then found a home with the Cardinals PS. Soon thereafter he’d move over to Tennessee, seeing some action on special teams that season. Then it was off to Seattle and finally San Fransisco to close out the year.

Wylie then spent time on the St. Louis Rams practice squad in 2014 and 2015. He’d then hop around between Oakland and Atlanta, before finishing up his career in Toronto playing for the Argonauts of the CFL in 2016-17.

EPITAPH:

11/13/23- Devon’s family announced his passing through social media. No cause of death was given.