The Pittsburgh Steelers head into training camp with a revamped defensive back group that will now feature the likes of three-time All-Pro Jalen Ramsey, 12-year veteran Darius Slay, and former Cleveland Brown Juan Thornhill. Most notably, it’ll be without Minkah Fitzpatrick for the first time in five seasons. 

The Steelers’ invested in some veteran leadership to shore up the defensive backfield, and while it remains to be seen if that decision and the wealth of other changes across the roster will lead to the team’s first playoff victory in eight seasons, one thing is for certain: The young players in the defensive backfield will have some guidance on the field.

Castro’s name started buzzing after the trade as a name to watch, not only to make the roster, but also potentially compete for Fitzpatrick’s somewhat vacant role. Of course, Castro isn’t really in that discussion since he’s a box safety, not a center-fielder like Fitzpatrick.

Nonetheless, the Iowa standout is worth the buzz. He notched 163 tackles, 14 for a loss, including two sacks, broke up 14 passes with four interceptions, and forced five fumbles in 53 games for the Hawkeyes. He’s a bit undersized at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, but that’s why fans in Pittsburgh see a little Troy Polamalu in his game.