Steelers' DeMarvin Leal Accused Of Taking His Foot Off The Gas During Big Disappointing Season In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers thought they made a promising pick by selecting defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal from Texas A&M in the 2022 NFL Draft. Leal was chosen as the 84th overall pick in the third round, and the Steelers had high hopes for his future with the team.

Expectations were high for Leal's second season in the NFL, but unfortunately, he seemed to take a step backward. Throughout the 2023 season, he found himself as a healthy scratch for several games and had limited snaps when he did play. Leal participated in 12 games, but started in only four. His statistics were underwhelming, with just 15 combined tackles and a single sack to his name.

Former Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats weighed in on Leal's lackluster performance in 2023 and attributed it to two main factors: a sophomore slump and competition from teammates.

“DeMarvin to me had a sophomore slump. We talk about the sophomore slump and it can happen in multiple ways. Whether it’s an injury or at times is it you have a really dope first season where it’s a lot of optimism surrounding you and you kind of take your foot off the gas? I thought it was both.”

Furthermore, Moats noted that the emergence of other players on the team's depth chart played a significant role in limiting Leal's playing time. Players like Keeanu Benton, Armon Watts, Larry Ogunjobi, and the return of Cam Heyward made it difficult for Leal to secure a consistent role.

“The other part I think his development got stunted last season. Number one when he got hurt, but number two when we had to keep moving him from 5-tech or 3-tech to where we started playing that big nickel and he was playing d-end.”

Moats also delved into how injuries affected Leal's development. During his rookie season, injuries forced the Steelers to shuffle Leal between different positions, such as 5-tech or 3-tech, as they implemented various defensive schemes. This constant positional shifting could have hindered his growth and hindered his ability to excel in his natural position.

One pivotal factor in Leal's diminished playing time in 2023 was the remarkable performance of the 2023 second rounder, Benton. Moats believed that Benton's impressive contributions sealed Leal's fate for the season. However, Moats remained optimistic about Leal's potential, suggesting that he still had an opportunity to prove himself if he put in the necessary work and maintained his dedication to football.

Steelers' Success In Talent Acquisition 

Moats also praised Steelers General Manager Omar Khan for assembling a talented roster, especially in the trenches. He viewed the competition for playing time as a positive problem to have. 

“When you talk at this level man and you bringing in this talent and good job by Omar Khan. To have it where you have this level of talent where DeMarvin Leal on any other team would be playing a lot more snaps.” 

While having an abundance of talent on the defensive line is undoubtedly a boon for the Steelers, it might not be as great for Leal as he battles to secure his position on the depth chart.

For Leal, the competition for playing time can be daunting. The presence of other skilled players like Benton, Watts, Ogunjobi, and Heyward poses a significant challenge. As Moats pointed out, these players are not easily sidelined due to their skill and contracts.

However, for the team as a whole, this abundance of talent on the defensive line is a remarkable problem to have. It reflects the foresight and astute player acquisitions by Khan. The Steelers are fortunate to have such a wealth of talent in the trenches, as it bolsters the team's overall strength and competitiveness.

Moreover, the fierce competition for playing time benefits not only Leal, but also the entire defensive unit. As the saying goes, iron sharpens iron. The high level of competition will push Leal to elevate his game, forcing him to work harder and refine his skills.

Moats concluded by highlighting that the Leal project is far from over. He envisioned a path for Leal to become a key part of the Steelers' defensive line in the coming seasons, especially with Heyward aging and the potential for Ogunjobi to become a cap casualty.

One disappointing year should not define a young NFL player's career. Instead, it should serve as motivation for Leal to work even harder, earn back his spot, and regain the hype he once enjoyed among Steelers fans.