Dawgs By Nature
Retirement and lack of production reveals an opening on the Browns roster, NFL draft could fill
At the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season, Cleveland Browns seasoned veteran Rodney McLeod hung his cleats for good. He did not play in Cleveland very long but left his mark as being a steady pass defender and a player who did not hesitate to hit. While McLeod wasn’t a starter, he was a vital part of a defense that now needs even more help on the Browns roster.
What his retirement means is that the team has a job opening. Plus, there are several members of the safety group which are free agents. That means their availability is in jeopardy.
Sebastian Castro of Iowa would fill in nicely. He is a pandemic athlete which granted him an extra season, so he played five years at Iowa. He had 163 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He was named Third Team All-Big 10 this year and Second Team All-Big 10 in 2023.
Dawgs By Nature staff writer Barry Shuck spoke with Castro at the Senior Bowl.
Q: Would you feel you are more of a deep pass centerfield safety, or would you prefer to come down in the box more?
A: I feel I can do both pretty well. That obviously depends on the other team’s scheme. But I am a physical player. At Iowa, we were a two-high team match-match.
Q: What do you offer an NFL team?
A: I feel I am a good player and came from a good program. I would develop quickly and have the tools.
Q: How would you describe your tackling abilities?
A: Elite. I have good instincts and am versatile. I can play the nickel or deep safety if needed. I can attack from the box or patrol the deep portion of the field. I understand how ballcarriers think so I am good in the run game as well as I can blitz. I am definitely a guy who can be moved around a lot.
Q: The Browns play some 4-2-5. That means sometimes one of the linebackers is a safety. Is that a problem area for you?
A: No, I don’t think so. At Iowa, we would play that formation some so I have already been in situations where we would play five defensive backs and I was the one moved to linebacker. I am good at run support so they stuck me there because they know I won’t hesitate to fill a gap and attack the ballcarrier.
Q: Who were some of your favorite players growing up?
A: Ray Lewis, Troy Polamalu, Devon Witherspoon, Ed Reed, Budda Baker - guys like that.
Q: Where is your comfort level – up on guys or with a buffer and react off the cornerback?
A: I feel comfortable being in any situation...
