While the Pittsburgh Steelers made several big-time moves this offseason, there are still question marks throughout the roster. The front seven of the defense has some questions that will need answered before things kick off Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. Inside linebacker is one of those questions, as it seems Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson will battle it out for a starting job alongside Cole Holcomb.
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Steelers defenders Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi are locked in as two of the three starters along the defensive line in 2023.
The configuration of the defensive line remains another question, as Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi are locked into two of the spots. That's when you question where a guy like DeMarvin Leal comes into play. The Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft as a defensive lineman. He played sparingly as a rookie, a total of 175 defensive snaps.
In his limited playing time, Leal made 14 total tackles, three pass deflections, and one tackle for loss. Injuries held him out of six games, and he ended his rookie campaign with two starts. The talented defender also played 39 special teams snaps in 2022. When asked where Leal fits into the defense in 2023, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stated the team thinks very highly of the sophomore defender via his weekly chat.
"I think DeMarvin Leal fits nicely in their plans -- very nicely. They like his athleticism and versatility a lot."
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Steelers second-year defender DeMarvin Leal should benefit greatly learning from a veteran like Cam Heyward.
There's no doubt about Leal's talent, as shown by the team using an early draft pick on him. Rather, the question is about what position he will play for the Steelers. In the team's 3-4 defense, his size is considered to be that of a tweener in a way, stuck between a defensive lineman and linebacker's body. Based off Dulac's comment, the team likes him for his ability to play multiple positions.
Where should Steelers play Leal on defense?
It seems like the team has big plans for him, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke highly of the Texas A&M product on several occasions last season. Unfortunately, his knee injury led to meniscus surgery in the middle of the year, hindering his progress in Year 1. Shortly after the conclusion of the season, he discussed some of his Year 2 goals with Teresa Varley of Steelers.com.
"I just want to improve everything. All phases of the game. Make sure I am a better me. All phases. I need to work on all phases. It's never going to stop," Leal said via Varley.
On the Steelers' official website, Leal is listed as 6'4", 290 pounds. For reference, that's an inch shorter and five pounds lighter than Heyward. He's seen as more of a lengthy figure, which is why many see him as a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid. Unfortunately, there may not be many snaps available at outside linebacker. Beyond the starters TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, backups Markus Golden and Nick Herbig figure to get most of the additional snaps.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers' starting OLBs are set with Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt as arguably the best duo in the NFL.
Leal didn't really register enough playing time to be truly evaluated in 2022, as it was seen as a learning year for him. Pro Football Focus gave him a 46.0 overall grade in his limited action, including immense struggles in run defense. He has a ways to go before he becomes an every-down starter for the Steelers, but the talent is there. Based off Dulac's comments, they really like him and view the second-year defender as a part of the long-term plans.
What are your expectations for Leal in his second NFL season? Do you view him as more of a defensive end or outside linebacker? Do you view the Texas A&M product as a big part of the team's future on defense? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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