Steelers' Former Third-Round Pick Has Ultimate Chance To Prove He Is Not A Draft Bust With Alex Highsmith Injured

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense has been nothing short of phenomenal to begin the 2024 NFL season. The most crucial stat being talked about is the one relevant to points allowed. The organization's opponents have combined for just 26 total. There have been several contributors to the dominance, and TJ Watt headlines the list. His partner-in-crime, Alex Highsmith, unfortunately suffered a groin injury in Week 3 and could miss several weeks. Nick Herbig will be called upon to build off of his two-sack performance against the Los Angeles Chargers, but it will be interesting to see how effective a potential third edge rusher will be in Highsmith's absence.

With the edge rusher position a bit thin on the Steelers' depth chart, it is expected that 2022 third-round pick DeMarvin Leal will get an opportunity to rotate in on the outside. After a promising rookie season, he fell behind in 2023, and only played 25% of defensive snaps. This could be one of his final chances to prove to the team that he can be an important contributor for the defense.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo recently joined the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show to talk all things Steelers. He noted that Highsmith's injury is a big blow to the team, but it opens up an opportunity for Leal to prove that he can be extremely effective for Pittsburgh.

"[Alex Highsmith is] the best outside linebacker at setting the edge in the running game, so we'll see. I know what Nick [Herbig] can do as a pass rusher; there's no doubt he's electric in that realm, but we'll see how he does this week setting the edge," Fittipaldo said. "I think Leal, being a bigger body in there, maybe you would expect to see the number three outside linebacker [get] 12-15 snaps per game, but maybe Leal gets up there around 20 or 25."

This could end up being one of the most important stretches of Leal's career. He hasn't really turned out exactly as the team hoped he would, but if he is able to show versatility and step up with Highsmith out, it could change the course of his career. After being inactive for the final three games of the 2023 regular season, this is Leal's opportunity to show he can be effective on a consistent basis.

A stout Steelers defense will certainly miss Highsmith. Regardless of Herbig's resurgence, Pittsburgh needs Highsmith in the lineup to work on the opposite side of Watt. This was the first offseason Leal worked in on the edge at a consistent basis, and now he will be given reps that weren't likely to be had if Highsmith had not injured his groin in Week 3.

Leal only has one sack in his three-year career. When working in, he could have several opportunities to rush the passer on the opposite side of Watt, which would be seen as a huge advantage for any defender. The most important piece to the Leal proving that he is a much better player than some think will be the timeline of Highsmith. The team would prefer Highsmith return as soon as possible, but Leal could be getting his final chance to step up in a big way.

Steelers Will Continue To Rely On Defense While Offense Continues To Improve

Allowing just 26 points in three games is an incredible feat for Pittsburgh's defense. The offensive unit hasn't been at the top of its game, but has gotten better each week. The loss of Highsmith hasn't been highlighted enough due to the dominant nature of other defenders on the squad, but if Leal can step in and give the team strong reps as a third edge rusher, the defense will continue to lead the franchise to victory.

Do you think that Leal will be effective as a third edge rusher for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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