The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their selection in the third round. It's DeMarvin Leal from Texas A&M. He's 6'4 283 pounds and ran a 5.0 flat in the 40-yard dash.
The AP named Leal a first-team All-American in 2021, SEC coaches voted him a first-team all-conference pick and he was named a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end after racking up 58 tackles, 12.5 for loss with 8.5 sacks, and two pass breakups in 12 starts.
Early entry defensive lineman who appears to be caught between "best fit" positions at this time. Leal possesses adequate rush skills and knows how to craft a rush plan, but a lack of suddenness and closing burst turns potential sacks into hurries without the help of a long pocket count. When the motor is cranked up, he can stack and slide past run blockers with efficiency and quickness. He didn't put together the tape that was expected and disappointing reps against Evan Neal (Alabama) and Charles Cross (Mississippi State) could create concerns about his pro readiness. Most will see him as an even-front defender in some capacity, but playing 3-4 DE might be his best fit as a pro.
Overview from The Draft Network
Entering the 2022 NFL Draft cycle, Leal was a highly regarded defensive line prospect with some impressive athletic attributes for his size. Although his stock has soured and slid from those days of summer scouting, there are elements of his report that still hold water in this class and should at least ensure that the Texas A&M defensive lineman has some substantial suitors.
Versatility is one of the most valuable attributes in the NFL so let’s start Leal’s scouting report right there. The Texas A&M DL is one of the most versatile linemen in the nation. The Aggies have used him in every conceivable alignment along the defensive front, with significant exposure at 3-tech, 5-tech, and as a traditional 4-3 defensive end. Leal has demonstrated the ability to play with his hand in the ground or stood up, with no discernible difference in his capacity to impact the game.
MORE INFO COMING WITHIN MINS -- STAY TUNED
