Best and worst traits of each Pittsburgh Steelers rookie draft pick
By Tommy Jaggi
Steelers DL DeMarvin Leal
Best trait: Bend, pass-rush moves
Long before the Steelers drafted DeMarvin Leal, I really took a liking to this player. Though somewhat of a tweener in a bad way, the Texas A&M product had remarkable bend and flexibility for a player his size (6’3 7/8”, 283 pounds).
To go with his fluid hips and quick get-off, Leal has an arsenal of pass-rush moves for a player who was just 20 years old during his final college season. He can dip the edge or swim back inside with ease. His ability as a finesse rusher should translate in the NFL.
Worst trait: Run-stop power, overall physicality
Leal still has room to get stronger thanks to his 6’8” wingspan, but as of now, he’s not overly stout against the run. Leal will make some nice plays in run defense from time to time, but he struggles to anchor — specifically against double teams.
Some questioned Leal’s overall physicality level this season. Personally, I don’t think his effort was an issue. Leal is more of a finesse player who isn’t going to bully offensive linemen with power. He also will undergo a position change to a true interior defender for the Steelers.