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.
Photo by Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/Getty Images
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.
S Sebastian Castro – Iowa
5’-11” 204 pounds
40 time: 4.6
Projected round: 3
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 no matter who I am covering being a receiver, a running back, or a tight end.
Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images
Q: You were a player who could have left college after the 2023 season but stayed another year. What were the details for why you remained at Iowa?
A: I felt we had a good team and would make a run at a Big 10 title was one reason. And another is I wanted to improve my draft stock from a lower round projection. I loved playing college football. And if I stayed or declared for the draft, I am still playing football. This is just another part of my journey. I am blessed regardless.
Q: What do you do to improve your game?
A: I just focus on the details every day. It’s an ongoing process being a student-athlete. You have to take advantage of your time in the weight room and what you eat. I have played a lot of football and used my leadership to help the younger players and show them how to work. In college, I learned to be a professional. Confidence is not hard to not see it.
Q: Would you have any issues playing special teams?
A: Absolutely be on special teams. I have played on the kickoff most of my career back to high school and love to fly down on the kickoff. I know the kickoff rules are different now in the NFL, but it is still football and it is still finding the ballcarrier and taking him down.
Q: Is your strength strong safety or free safety?
A: I have played both and like playing both. I have confidence at either.
Q: What are your personal goals?
A: I am just trying to do the best I can. I believe everything will follow how I wish it would. I just keep working on my skillset. I come from a program where the defense is the standard. I want to bring that standard to the next level.
Q: How would you describe your play for NFL coaches and scouts?
A: I am a guy who is consistent, I feel I am very smart and my biggest asset is my speed and will hit. But I don’t have a problem reaching out to guys who have played a lot and ask questions and learn from what they know.