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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal among rookies analyst 'can't wait to watch in training camp/preseason'
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers' DeMarvin Leal among rookies analyst 'can't wait to watch in training camp/preseason'

The pass rush of the Pittsburgh Steelers has received high praise from insiders and analysts throughout the summer for multiple understandable reasons. That unit features reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt and All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, among others, and also recently acquired veteran defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi in what could prove to be a savvy signing when all is said and done. 

This past spring, Pittsburgh selected defensive lineman and Texas A&M Aggies product DeMarvin Leal in the third round of the NFL Draft via overall pick No. 84. For a piece published Friday, Bucky Brooks of the league's website explained why Leal is among his "rookies I can't wait to watch in training camp/preseason" over the next month. 

"The ultra-talented Leal could enjoy a banner rookie season in a defense that will enable him to play fast and free at the line of scrimmage," Brooks noted. "The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder is a long, rangy interior defender with the strength and athleticism to drive guards and tackles crazy at the point of attack. As a fluid mover with solid instincts, Leal could flourish on a front that features Cam Heyward and reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J Watt. If Leal quickly grasps the concepts and techniques preached by defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, the third-round pick could become a problem for opponents attempting to attack the middle of the Steelers' defense." 

According to Chris Carter of Steelers Now, Leal has impressed early in practices and has said that taking up boxing during offseason training has helped him improve his hand techniques. 

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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