As the Pittsburgh Steelers run through training camp with each passing day, it means opportunities are drying up. If unproven players cannot turn things around quickly, they could fail to make the roster when final decisions are made. Making an NFL club as an undrafted rookie is never easy, but it only becomes more difficult when you have established veterans in front of you on the depth chart.
Sebastian Castro was a priority free agent addition for the Steelers after the draft concluded. They liked the safety enough to bring him in with a higher amount than other undrafted free agents commanded. Pittsburgh believes in this rookie, but he has an uphill climb to overcome. He sits in the middle of the preseason process with improvement to show, or he could be without a job.
Lance McCutcheon with a good catch down the sideline, looked like Sebastian Castro was out of position. Brandin Echols was FURIOUS after the play at the miscommunication. #Steelers
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) July 27, 2025
The Steelers could use some help at the safety position since they traded away Minkah Fitzpatrick.
They added some help by signing Chuck Clark as a veteran presence, but there are no guarantees that Clark will be a reliable starter. Outside of Clark, Pittsburgh has experienced players on its depth chart, but none of them will come close to the type of production Fitzpatrick brought with his game.
Pittsburgh Steelers would love a quick turnaround for Sabastian Castro at training camp
Castro has a clear path to make the roster for the Steelers, and the team is begging for him to prove himself.
The rookie has shown signs of struggle throughout the early portion of training camp, which could spell doom for his chances of sticking around. Sometimes it takes a while for first-time NFL players to learn the ropes and show their skills on the practice field, but time is running out.
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The Steelers signed Clark because they want stability at the position after moving Fitzpatrick. With that being said, Clark is a veteran with plenty of experience, but he isn't solidified on the depth chart. He must earn his role on the team, and that is where Castro can win a job. If he can get close to Clark in the race for a roster spot, Pittsburgh will always go with the younger option.
Their safety position lacks quality depth, and Juan Thornhill is no gem at the free safety position. Castro didn't play much at that spot during his time at Iowa, but he has gained snaps there at training camp. His ability to play different positions will determine his roster outcome. He can also play in the slot and at strong safety, which could strengthen his chances of winning a job.
Castro's early signs of struggle during the process are concerning, but not the end of the world. The undrafted rookie still has time to figure things out and shove one of the veterans out. If he can show an ability to play three positions in the secondary and show some skill on special teams, his chances of making the roster will skyrocket. A lack of improvement from what he has shown, however, and he may be destined for the practice squad.