Tariq Castro-Fields feels like he has the speed, size, physicality, and versatility to play in any scheme in the NFL. At 6-foot-1 and 194 pounds, and the ability to keep up with the likes of Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave it’s hard to argue that fact.
Castro-Fields was a four-year starter who stayed for a fifth year in Happy Valley after suffering due to playing in only three games in 2020 due to an assortment of injuries, looked to improve his draft stock in 2021. He started 12 games last season and recorded 33 total tackles, but did not record an interception.
However, scouts believe he is a sleeper prospect with the ideal prospect with the tools to be a contributor to a team’s secondary as a mid-round pick in April’s draft.
When speaking to the media at the combine, Castro-Fields feels confident that he can play on the outside or inside in the secondary stating that he knew the whole defense at Penn State. He quoted that “I repped a little bit, obviously, I know the whole defense, I played three to the field covering the tight end and played in the dime defense”.
One thing that scouts think that Castro-Fields needs to work on is taking the proper angles when it comes to tackling. Pro Football Focus says that he missed 11 tackles in 2021.
Fields also talked about the defensive backs returning to Penn State such as Joey Porter Jr., Johnny Dixon, and Daequan Hardy.
Castro-Fields credits Penn State head coach for him being ready for the next level by quoting “The way that we have it set up, being held accountable by being ten minutes early and that you have to follow when you come to Penn State for the people that come behind you”.
Twitter: @bwalkerdadon
