As we prepare for Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, fans are excited to watch high-profile rookies like Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson take the practice field at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. These draft investments are expected to play pivotal roles from the start, while fellow rookie draft picks like Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black could see a rotational role early in the season.
But there's an unheralded rookie who's already starting to gain buzz before camp.
Sebastian Castro was a high-priority undrafted free agent signing by the Steelers shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft. The Iowa Hawkeye's product was given a Day 3 draft grade by several prominent draft analysts, and most expected him to be selected in the sixth or seventh round.
Instead, the UDFA ultimately signed with the Steelers. Casto brings a blend of impressive physicality and feel for the game. As a senior in 2023, the safety recorded 67 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, three interceptions, and a defensive touchdown.
Now, before Steelers camp begins, there's plenty of hype surrounding the UDFA and a clear shot at cracking the 53-man roster despite his undrafted status.
Sebastian Castro could crack the Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster with a strong training camp
At 5'11 1/4'' and 203 pounds with 30 3/4'' arms, Castro possesses only average size at the safety position. Likewise, his athletic traits leave much to be desired. At the 2025 NFL Combine, the former Iowa safety ran a 4.59 40-yard dash while posting a disappointing 30 1/2'' vertical jump.
What Castro lacks in size and athletic traits, he makes up for with impressive instincts and a tremendous feel for the game. We still need to wait and see if this will show up during training camp and the preseason, but these were his best attributes during his five-year college career.
But cracking the Steelers' 53-man roster is more than just a pipe dream for Castro. Since the surprising Minkah Fitzpatrick trade to the Miami Dolphins, there's a safety spot open on the roster, and if Castro performs well this summer, he has a chance to carve out a role on the team.
With DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill as the projected starters ahead of training camp, Castro has a chance to be a second-string safety alongside special-teams ace Miles Killebrew. Of course, his chances of landing that role will decrease if the Steelers sign a notable safety to compete during training camp.
As of now, Sebastian Castro feels like a quality player who was deserving of being a Day 3 pick and who now has a clear path to the Steelers' roster. The safety will need to leave his mark on special teams this summer if he wants to stick around, but with Fitzpatrick gone, Castro is already drawing buzz as a young player to watch this Summer.