Steelers Rookie "Could Be A Camp Standout" Thanks To The Success Of Former Teammates In His Unique Position
The Pittsburgh Steelers love players with plenty of versatility, especially when it gets somewhat late in the draft. They are always either looking for players that are more than capable of playing all over the field, or certain players that could benefit from a change of position. The latter has worked with veterans like Patrick Peterson, Eric Rowe, and undrafted safety-turned slot corner Beanie Bishop Jr. Pittsburgh may have recently found Bishop's replacement, as well as a replacement for at least one other position.
Brian Batko was asked about undrafted safety Sebastian Castro in his mailbag on Thursday. The person brought the recent history of players that played in the same position as he did for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
"List of players who played CASH (hybrid safety/LB) at Iowa since they added the position to the defense in 2018: Amani Hooker (Titans) Dane Belton (Giants) Cooper DeJean (Eagles) Sebastian Castro (Emergence during 2022 season allowed Hawkeyes to move DeJean to CB)," Mike from Iowa in the mailbag wrote.
Batko loved the comparisons, even though Castro went undrafted. Either way, he could force himself onto the 53-man roster.
"Agreed on Sebastian Castro, the hard-hitting Iowa defensive back who could save the Steelers a roster spot (or two) if he can excel as a slot corner, strong safety and special-teamer," Batko wrote. "Castro doesn’t have the size and speed combination of those guys, plus he’ll be 25 in October, which surely hurt his draft stock and led to him being a rookie free agent. But he could be a camp standout."
Castro still has a long way to go before he becomes a key contributor for the Steelers, but there is still plenty of potential there. In the short time frame that the Hawkeyes have utilized this "CASH" role, it seems like every player who is in that position thrives at the NFL level. Cooper DeJean had a pick-six in Super Bowl LIX in his rookie year, which goes to show how high the ceiling really is for these box safety types.
The biggest difference between Castro and the rest of these CASH players are that he went undrafted. DeJean was a second rounder, and that was still seen as an absolute steal. The other two were selected in the fourth round, as Batko also pointed out. Of course, being almost 25 years old will hurt a player's draft stock, but if he can still make an impact over the middle of the field, he can still have a quality NFL career.
Steelers' Potential Defensive Roles For Castro
For starters, Castro could be used as a box safety, which was his primary role at Iowa. If that would be the case, he would primarily be used in dime packages, likely as a guy that would stand on the first down marker and prevent opposing offenses from getting the big chunk plays over the middle to extend drives. He was a great tackler, so taking down the check-down short of the sticks won't be a problem for him.
Castro could also get some reps in at slot corner. Even though the Steelers signed Brandin Echols to that role, it doesn't help to have some depth there, especially if that depth can play elsewhere. After a solid rookie season, Bishop could end up getting cut if the undrafted rookie does well enough in that spot, and maybe another role or two.
Lastly, Castro could back up a bit and be more of a traditional safety. The Steelers do need depth there, so he will get plenty of chances to be a ballhawk from deep in the secondary. He could easily push Juan Thornhill off the roster if he can show some ability to play off the ball. If the 24-year-old makes the 53-man roster, there is the possibility that multiple established players lose their job before Week 1.
Related articles
The Walking Dead Creator Reveals Disgusting Fact About Zombies' Diet That Will Gross Fans Out
49ers Trade Of Brandon Aiyuk Option Now Dead Issue
Steelers Suggested As Perfect Landing Spot For Veteran Running Back: 'Has Potential And You're Not Going To Spend A Lot For Him'
Dave Roberts' stern message after painful Cubs sweepThe Latest
Do Steelers view George Pickens as a 'disappointment' following trade to Cowboys?
The most noteworthy NFL-related development of the second week of May involved the Pittsburgh Steelers trading mercurial wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. While speaking with reporters on Friday, Steelers general manager Omar Khan reflected on Pickens' tenure with ...
Detroit Lions Rookie Minicamp Observations: Tyleik Williams Limited
The Detroit Lions began their trek toward training camp Friday with the start of rookie minicamp. From Friday through Sunday, the draft picks, undrafted free agents and tryout players will get acclimated to the Lions' scheme and compete for roster spots heading ...
49ers’ GM Makes Brock Purdy Announcement After $324M Update
The San Francisco 49ers have yet to give Brock Purdy a new contract, a concerning sign as the team will start training camp in the near future. For the 49ers, the hope and expectation around the organization is for them to finalize a deal ...
Dodgers Trade Pitch Lands Future Superstar Third Baseman
Baltimore Orioles prospect Coby Mayo The longer Max Muncy continues to struggle, the more it feels inevitable that the Los Angeles Dodgers will make a move to improve their situation at third base. Muncy, the 34-year-old entering his 10th MLB season and eighth with the Dodgers, has ...
Alex Cora Offers Insight Into Red Sox’s Plan At First Base
The Red Sox still are figuring things out at first base, but we now know one perceived option is off the table. Following Boston’s shutout win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday, Rafael Devers made it very clear that he wasn’t interested in becoming Triston ...
