2022 Steelers draft analysis: Colbert’s final draft ignores key needs
3rd Round – Defensive End – DeMarvin Leal
Texas A&M, 6′ 4″, 283 lbs.
This pick is obviously Stephon Tuitt insurance. I’m not sure a pick at this position couldn’t have waited until the 4th or 6th Rd. Leal’s size limitations make him an unlikely candidate to play inside at the NFL level. A better selection would’ve been a player who could play both nose tackle and DE.
He’s a fluid pass rusher but doesn’t display a whole lot of power. He looks like more of a finesse player than the Steelers usually go for on the D-Line. He has some pass rush moves and always seems to have a pass rush plan of attack.
The Steelers needed a run-stuffer to bolster their league last rushing defense. This guy ain’t it. He gets moved too easily in angle blocking and can be taken out by a single above-average O-Lineman. I’m not so sure Leal gives the Steelers anything they don’t already have in Chris Wormley unless the plan is to move Wormley to NT.
I’d be very surprised if Leal ended up starting. He may actually have trouble making the roster if either Tuitt or Tyson Alualu returns. While he has some athleticism it’s not enough to make up for his lack of power. Leal is probably too small to be a defensive line starter in the modern, super-sized NFL lineman era and too big to be an outside linebacker. He looks more like a sub-package guy for pass rushing.
Leal was generally ineffective in game film when he went up against Alabama’s offensive line. In 2021 he had 58 tackles with 12.5 for a loss 8.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble. Some of the updated depth charts have him backing up Cam Heyward which would mean Isaiahh Loudermilk would be bumped to the practice squad. We’ll have to wait and see if that actually happens.
Strategy is a D since O-Line was a much higher priority. It’s also a D because Leal doesn’t have the size or versatility to move inside. The value is a C+ since some had Leal going in the late 2nd Rd. The player is a D+ because Leal is probably a better fit on the outside for a 4-3 scheme than the Steelers 3-4.