Could Steelers 2nd-Year DL DeMarvin Leal Seize A New Role On Defense In 2023?

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected an athletic defensive tackle at 84th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. DeMarvin Leal adds an exciting presence to the Steelers' front four, a player that was considered undersized and lacked a clear-cut position can now help the Steelers' depth problem in more ways than one. 

When Leal was drafted as a defensive tackle out of Texas A&M, the thought was he would become the number 3 and learn from future Hall of Famer Cam Heyward. Leal, standing at 6'4" and 283 lbs., is comparable to Heyward, but Leal lacks elite hand movements like Heyward and TJ Watt possess. The ability to shed a blocker or anchor yourself on runs is a skill when perfected looks like art. Leal can take a step this year with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and his elite defensive teammates that can lead him to become a future starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

With Alex Highsmith on the last year of his contract and playing like a star, the Steelers are in a great position to have a productive year from him and Watt. The only question mark is who plays as a substitute when these two superstars need a breather. Enter Demarvin Leal. Leal only played on 175 snaps over 11 games last year for the Steelers, starting in only two. This could have to do with the injury in Week 5 and was not activated again until Week 13. Or it could have to do with Leal not being ready to be a day-one starter. 

After the knee injury to Chris Wormley, the Steelers were looking for a player that would step up after. Leal was that player alongside Tyson Alualu who saw an uptick in play and an uptick in production. The last two games of the season were Leal's best, where he has career highs in solo tackles and assisted tackles. Past Steelers linebacker, Bud Dupree had a meeting with the team, but so far, no contracts have been agreed to. Dupree could add a piece to the Steelers' pass rush, but so could Leal. Leal has the size and speed to take over at both his defensive tackle roll and move to the outside and give tackles a nightmare with his ability to rush the passer. 

In college, criticism of Leal was that he would take plays off, and would not give effort when he was losing reps. Coming into year two, Leal can prove these naysayers wrong. With clear starters along the defensive line, there is a need for another to step up and take some of the reps. When Leal does give his all, he looks to be almost unstoppable. With good finesse and power moves, and a good bend and ability to shift weight to where the blocker is weak. Leal has all he needs to take the next step and become a premier defensive piece for the Pittsburgh Steelers.