Steelers A to Z: Undrafted rookie Sebastian Castro was a versatile DB at Iowa

Editor’s note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2025 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with at least two players each day between June 12 and July 23. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.

S SEBASTIAN CASTRO

Experience/age: Rookie, 24

Contract status: $848,33 cap hit if he makes the team in 2025, signed through 2027

The past: A three-year starter at Iowa, Castro earned fringe All-America honors in 2023 when he had three interceptions, eight pass breakups and 67 tackles for an Iowa defense that was one of the best in the country.

The vast majority of Castro’s college playing time on defense was as a slot corner, but he also played extensively as an in-the-box strong safety and on occasion as a free safety. At 5 feet 11, 203 pounds, Castro has at times rated high overall and as a tackler and in run defense per Pro Football Focus grading. In 2023, no slot cornerback in the country had more “stops” (i.e., effective tackles) in the run game.

Sebastian Castro (@castro2x5) can do it all.

Start your week with some of the @HawkeyeFootball DB's highlights ⤵️#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/HufQMx6bOu

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 12, 2024

2025 outlook: The Steelers signed Castro quickly after this past April’s draft ended, and the extent to which he was a priority is exemplified by the $25,000 signing bonus they gave him – third-most among their undrafted free agent class. It’s unclear if he can make himself a viable contender to play a role in the slot/nickel, or alternatively as a hybrid linebacker/safety. But defense is likely a longer-term outlook for Castro, who has a profile in which he can potentially make an immediate on special teams.

The Steelers have four safeties who are locks for the roster. Depending how the 53-man shakes out at defensive back and other areas, during training camp and the preseason Castro should be given an opportunity to prove he can play as a rookie in the NFL. At worst, he’s a strong contender to stick on the practice squad in 2025.