Grading each selection of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 NFL Draft

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Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers (2) breaks the tackle of Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8). Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

DL DeMarvin Leal: A+

I know that DeMarvin Leal came with a mixed bag of opinions, but there might not have been a better value pick in this entire draft. Leal was a former five-star recruit coming out of high school and the number 2 defensive tackle recruit in the entire nation.

In 2020, Leal earned a remarkable overall grade from Pro Football Focus despite just average production. As a result, PFF’s draft expert, Mike Renner, had him going fifth overall in his early 2022 mock draft.

Leal didn’t have quite as good of tape in 2021, but his production was even better. Remarkably, my 57th overall player this year fell all the way to pick 84 where the Pittsburgh Steelers snatched him up.

For Pittsburgh, I think Leal begins his career as a rotational interior defender who can lineup at both 5-technique and 3-technique. His best role should be getting after the quarterback. Leal is talented enough to develop into a very good starter down the line.

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