2022 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: DeMarvin Leal
School: Texas A&M
Position: Defensive Lineman
Height: 6’4″
Weight:290 pounds
Stats
Pass Rush
With his athletic profile, Leal could tally at or near double-digit sacks at the next level. TAMU used him to rush at both end and tackle, even right end on a four-man line. He wins with an effective bullrush that sees him forklift the blocker. Alongside that, the swim, rip and swipe add to the repertoire. However, uncorking these tools at different times to confuse blockers could be the key to long-term success.
Run Stopping
A complete player, Leal stands up the blocker, before throwing him away to make the stop. Although getting home remains his best quality, you cannot underestimate his ability to shed and stop in the backfield. When facing doubles, the Aggie will attempt to get skinny, on his way for the tackle-for-loss.
Athleticism
For his size, frame, and build, Leal’s freakish athletic ability. As always, we break down the trait into three parts: strength, speed, agility. In the power area, Leal, despite giving away thirty to forty pounds in size, manhandles guards and tackles with equal ability. Next, the burst sets him apart from every other tackle and includes himself in defensive end conversation. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the ability to close down on a target.On top of those attributes, the nimbleness in the prospect’s hands and feet will drive opponents mad with frustration. If the former Aggie chooses to, he can dip into the daylight, casting off blocks with nimble, quick hands that will keep blocks at bay.
Tackling
When the prospect grabs the ballcarrier. The play ends. Forget about breaking the tackle or yards after contact. Based on the former TAMU standout’s power. Possessing grip strength and forearm power to burn, Leal will not experience many broken tackles. Additionally, the lower half technique, for a tackle remains above average.
Red Flags
For what it’s worth, depending on your moralistic view, authorities in Collin County Texas, arrested Leal. Granted, the charge was possession of marijuana, less than two ounces. The weight and the arrest remain rather benign. Now, the issue resides with decision-making. Leal, only a few months away from cashing in, needed to avoid this. Some teams will drop Leal a few spots. If you are a team at the back end of the draft, for Leal’s talent, take the chance. On the field, the prospect displays a rather inconsistent effort. For every splash play, you will see a less-than-needed effort.
Raiders Fit
Darius Philon served as the best interior defensive lineman that the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. However, he suffered a torn patellar tendon. Additionally, Philon is a free agent. With a significant knee injury, no guarantee exists that he’ll return to Las Vegas. While Quinton Jefferson provided the occasional spark, he resembles more of a rotational player rather than a starter. In contrast, DeMarvin Leal gives the Raiders a force, a versatile chess piece that shouldn’t leave the field, except for fatigue. Immediately, Leal is the Raiders’ best tackle and their third-best lineman, depending on Yannick Ngakoue. In a defensive line with Ngakoue-NT-Leal-Crosby, the upside remains tremendous. Over time, teams will need to figure out which one to double team. Las Vegas defensive tackles accounted for twenty-two pressure in seventeen regular-season games. Leal provides the flexibility to start in as anywhere on the line, even at end. Teams discounted the Raiders’ interior to tend to the edge. Where Leal shines is the marriage of forceful hands and quick-twitch potential. DeMarvin Leal can be dominant, does he want to be consistently great.
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