The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Iowa defensive back Sebastian Castro plans on taking full advantage. Castro recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Castro also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his versatile abilities in the defensive backfield, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Castro better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Sebastian Castro: I was at my apartment actually. I was excited to get another opportunity to compete. I came back to Iowa for another season to get more exposure. The NFL only found out about who I was last year.
The Senior Bowl is another opportunity to compete and show what I can do. I’m pumped for the chance to meet with these teams. Getting the invite was a humbling experience. I was thankful for it.
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Sebastian Castro: It was simple. I’m never going to turn down an opportunity to gain even more exposure in front of NFL teams. The way I see it, it’s another chance to build my resume going into the next level. I want the teams to get even more familiar with me.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Sebastian Castro: I want them to see that I’m a very versatile player. I don’t know what Jim Nagy’s plan is for me, but I feel like I can play multiple positions. I want the scouts to get to know me as a person and what I’m all about. I love this game.
I’ve wanted to play in the NFL since I was a little kid. It’s a great opportunity to play in front of great competition. I’m thankful for the invite. I’m going to capitalize on it.
JM: You’re very versatile, as you just said. You played multiple positions at Iowa. How would you describe your skill set? What allowed you to play all those positions?
Sebastian Castro: When you’re playing cornerback, you’re on an island. You have to understand what your responsibilities are. As time went on, I was able to play more inside. I understood our defense at a high level, the ins and outs.
I learned more about the game as my career progressed forward. I learned about offenses and started seeing the game through a different lens. It gave me an advantage. I learned a lot while playing in coach Phil Parker’s defense.
You’ll learn a lot through trial and error. I had to earn a starting gig. There’s a reason why a lot of Iowa players end up successful at the next level. I wanted to follow in those footsteps.
I understand football at a high level. At the end of the day, football is football. I think I have the physical abilities to play and succeed in the NFL.
JM: Because you’ve been so versatile, playing everywhere, where do you think is your best fit? Where can you make a home for yourself?
Sebastian Castro: I think about that all the time. I have no problem playing any position. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve found a way to locate the football. Whatever position I can be in, wherever I could read the quarterback and make plays, I love being closest to the ball.
I can play man coverage, but I can’t control when the quarterback is going to throw the ball in man coverage. That’s why I love playing an interior position that allows me to read the game. Growing up, I wanted to be a quarterback because I wanted to be in control (laughs). I always wanted the ball in my hands.
I ended up on the defensive side of the ball. Wherever I could find the ball, I’d love to play that. The reason we’re having this conversation right now is because I’ve displayed my ability to find the ball. I love creating turnovers. That’s very effective to the defense and to the team.
JM: That’s a terrific answer. Fun question Sebastian, what’s on the pre-game playlist?
Sebastian Castro: It’s not very organized (laughs). I put whatever I’m feeling on there. I just throw the playlist on shuffle. If I’m feeling the vibe, that’s what I’m playing. I’ll just ride with it. It can be Adele or a hard rap song.
It’s never Taylor Swift or anything like that (laughs). Whatever it is, it has to get my blood pumping. Sometimes, it’s Adele or something more laid-back pre-game.
JM: This has been a lot of fun. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Sebastian Castro?
Sebastian Castro: It means I competed at a high level and won my reps. I’m looking to get off on the right foot with these NFL teams. I want them to know I’m a football guy through and through. I don’t really do much outside of football. I love the game.
