UDFA Hopes Versatility Will Help Him Make Steelers Roster
Undrafted free agent defensive back Sebastian Castro hopes his versatility will help him make the Pittsburgh Steelers roster.
PITTSBURGH — Making the Pittsburgh Steelers roster will be an uphill climb for undrafted free agent defensive back Sebastian Castro, but he’s hoping his versatility will help him do just that this summer.
The former Hawkeye played all over Iowa’s defense, spending time at both safety spots and slot corner.
“I’ve just been playing safety right now,” Castro said. “But I’ve been in college for six years, so I’ve played a lot of reps. I’ve played all three positions, besides outside corner.”
Castro was quite productive, too, recording 157 tackles (108 solo), two sacks, five forced fumbles, four interceptions, 14 passes defensed and one touchdown over the past three years. He was a second-team All-Big 10 honoree last season, the second campaign in a row in which he earned that honor.
The 24-year-old may have spent most of his time at rookie minicamp at safety, but that room is already a bit crowded in Pittsburgh with veterans Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill under contract.
That’s why it’s safe to assume the Steelers will also give Castro a look at slot corner, which is a much bigger need. If he can find a way to stand out, that will only help his chances.
“The more aggressive I can play, the better,” Castro said. “Every defense is different and a lot of defenses in the NFL like to say they’re aggressive. So it’s just knowing when to be aggressive, but that’s something I enjoy doing.”
Castro won’t be doing it alone, though. He is reuniting with several of his former Iowa teammates in Pittsburgh, including running back Kaleb Johnson and defensive linemen Yahya Black and Logan Lee.
“It’s definitely cool. It definitely makes you feel more comfortable moving to a different city,” Castro said. “So just reuniting is a good feeling.”
Castro is will certainly be one of the more intriguing undrafted rookies to keep an eye on over the next few months. And he’s looking forward to taking advantage of every rep he gets after missing out on the chance to hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft.
“For someone who thinks they’re going to get drafted and then don’t end up getting drafted, it’s like a shot to the heart. It definitely adds motivation,” Castro said. “That’s part of the game, though. That’s why I love this game. You’re never going to win every single day and you’re never going to be perfect.”