Sebastian Castro Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)
School: Iowa
Class: Redshirt Senior
Position: DB
HT: 5’11
WT: 200 lbs
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Background: Sebastian Castro was a 3-star defensive back in the class of 2019 out of Oak Lawn, Illinois. Castro was a top 30 player in the state of Illinois and played football for Richards High School. Castro was named a Player of the Year as both a junior and a senior. Castro played both defensive back and quarterback for Richards. Castro also ran track for Richards. Castro chose to play for Iowa over Iowa State, Syracuse, and Minnesota.
College: Castro did not see any significant action for the Hawkeyes until 2021 but did not become a starter until 2022. He was a starter at both defensive back and outside linebacker for Iowa. 2023 was Castro’s big breakout campaign. He was an All-American selection by multiple outlets and was a Second Team All-Big 10 member. He led the team that year with 8 pass breakups and 3 interceptions. In 2024, Castro was a Third Team All-Big 10 selection after notching 57 tackles and 3 TFLs as the Hawkeyes’ strong safety.
Strengths: Sebastian Castro is a savvy and technically sound veteran defensive back. Castro can be seen playing both nickel and safety. He brings a high level of physicality to his game while also playing with grace and fluidity. He is an impact player in and against any scheme. Castro is a terrific run defender with a quick downhill trigger to close rushing lanes and make tackles close to the line of scrimmage. He makes those big hits that can instantly give a defense momentum and make ball carriers think twice before running his direction. Castro does well to take away passing lanes in the middle of the field. He can close the gap between himself and the intended target quickly to break up the pass or jar the ball loose. Castro is a magnet for splash plays. He can create turnovers either with interceptions or forcing fumbles with big hits or timely strips.
Weaknesses: While Sebastian Castro is versatile, he cannot play boundary cornerback. As a nickel against slot receivers, if he is beat off the line, he struggles to make up ground and can get beaten in the deep areas of the field. When placed closer to the box, Castro tends to overcommit to the run on play action, causing the flats to be left wide open. Castro is going to be a 25-year-old rookie with a lack of extensiveness experience as a defensive starter. He may not be ready to fill in as a starter in the NFL right away and the clock is ticking in terms of his age.
Conclusion: Sebastian Castro is an older player with a lack of real speed but could prove to be a nice gadget player down the road. The path is not clear in terms of his role in the immediate future, but he provides special teams upside and explosive playmaking for a defense. By the time Castro would start his second NFL contract, he will be on the brink of turning 30.
Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile
Ideal Role: Strong Safety
Best Team Fits: NYG, DEN, MIA
Player Comparison: Taylor Rapp
Player Grade: Round 3 (74.1)
