The Pittsburgh Steelers latest draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft is none other than defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal out of Texas A&M.
Adding to the defensive line was an underrated need for the Steelers that most members of Steeler Nation didn't think was an option as early as the 3rd round. However, the team definitely felt they needed to add some young bodies to that room.
In a press conference following the Steelers' selection, first year Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin spoke glowingly about Leal. Austin talked about his positional versatility, his versatile skill set, as well as the value of the pick with Leal still being available in the middle of the 3rd round.
"Really versatile, lose (upper) body, plays multiple positions across the line. We think has the opportunity to be a good player for us. He offers some versatility. He has the frame to get a little bit bigger, but he does some things pass rush wise and run game wise that we really like."
It says a lot that the first thing Austin brings up when referring to Leal is his versatility. Coming out of college some viewed him as a bit of a "tweener" as he was somewhat in-between positions in the A&M 4-3 defensive scheme.
Teryl Austin speaking on the selection of DL DeMarvin Leal. Credit: Steelers
For the Steelers however, it appears Austin believes Leal has the ability to operate as a defensive end in their base defense and potentially kick inside when they go to their sub packages. But he may need to add a little weight before that is possible.
"Yeah, I think initially we'll probably look at him at an end spot. It all depends. He has some flexibility, but if you're playing base defense, you can look at them as an end. When you're playing in your nickel defense, you may look at him in a different position... that position takes a little bigger man and he's got the frame to do it."
Based on Leal's size at the combine, 6'4" and 283lbs, it is no surprise they believe that he could be a base defensive end in their scheme with the ability to kick inside in passing situations. His size compares very similarly to All-Pro Cam Heyward, who is 6'5" tall and weighs 288lbs.
Any comparison to Heyward, even if it is just with a tape measure and a scale, is always something Steeler Nation likes to see.
It may have also been a bit of a shock to see Leal on the board when they came back on the clock as well, as there was a real chance he wouldn't be available by pick 84.
Austin mentions that the Steelers had a 'very nice grade' on Leal and that fact he was still available 'really surprised' the men in the room.
Leal was once viewed as a potential first round pick that could slip to day 2 of the draft, but he ended up putting together a poor combine performance which likely contributed to his slide more than some would expect.
Regardless of his performance at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, Steeler Nation should be happy that the Steelers' staff have high grades on a player that fell into their laps late on Day 2. Pairing that with getting a physical wide receiver in the 2nd round and their potential franchise QB in the 1st, makes for a draft that seems to be rounding into form.
Let us know below what you think about the Steelers selection of Leal in the 3rd round, and what you think about Austin's comments on the newest member of the Steelers.
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