1. Graham Barton, C, Duke 2. Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida 3. Maason Smith, DT, LSU 3. Max Melton, CB, Rutgers 4. Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame 6. Tommy Eichenberg, ILB, Ohio State 6. MJ Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh
Solid pick. Tuitt is a big question mark heading into this season and Alualu coming off a bad injury. Also getting up there in age
What can anyone tell me about this one?
Great value pick! But his size concerns me, I feel like in the pros he's more of a 4-3 IDL. Someone tell me where he fits in a 3-4 and convince me to feel better than "meh".
He was highly-recruited out of high school. He’s good, but never reached his potential. High floor but also has room to grow (high ceiling).
1. Graham Barton, C, Duke 2. Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida 3. Maason Smith, DT, LSU 3. Max Melton, CB, Rutgers 4. Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame 6. Tommy Eichenberg, ILB, Ohio State 6. MJ Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh
He played EVERY position on the D-line. The player most like Cam Heyward in this draft.Originally Posted by Steelerette
As far as his size goes, he has a large frame and can put on 10-15 pounds.
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We have loudermilk from last year - if Tuitt can come back - with Cam and Leal - that’s a good group there
An article on the kid...
Texas A&M Football: Why DeMarvin Leal will be biggest 2022 draft steal (gigemgazette.com)
As Dwins would say: Tape doesn’t lie.
I know next to nothing about this guy, but we sure do need another guy who could potentially be a starter on the D-line. Adams and Loudermilk are good depth, but two out of our three starters, I would be surprised to see make it through the whole season, and the third (Heyward) probably doesn't have a whole lot of time until retirement.
See you Space Cowboy ...
This was one of Born2Steel’s favorite players.
He was productive but bombed at the combine. Bad 40 time, etc. He will suck if we have him covering slot receivers.
DeMarvin Leal Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com
I don’t care if he can cover receivers if he can hold his own as a long snapper.
I read somewhere that he can punt.
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I got nervous when in that evaluation it said he lacked suddenness. However, it didn't say anything about glide. So can we assume he has glide and will work with suddenness?
I don't know him but read on him after they pick him and sounds like he is horrible against the run. If That is the case not a good pick.
They clearly have a type when it comes to DL prospects. Leak reminds me of Loudermilk. I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt with this one.
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Pittsburgh A and M.
That's 3 from that school in the past 2 drafts.
Wait Dino Tomlin didn't go there?
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This is why I love the draft.
Not every player is going to be a star. But seeing the gratitude in their faces reminds us again of the human side of the business, how it changes lives and families. Good luck, young man.
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I like the Leal selection , was a pos of need for sure , I would have liked it a little better if it would have been Butler but thats just personal taste both are solid defenders
Kenny Pickett is who I though he was .. Eagles problem now
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A Teegre type of stat!
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Pretty good, given that there were similar levels of competition.
Sure, but the next tweet about him being a "tweener" will conjure up a Ziggy Hood comparison and the hate will start.
As long as he’s not training with Outer Limits Athletics
Isn't a "tweener" DT/DE for most teams basically exactly what the Steelers want in their DEs?
Not really. The Steelers generally like guys like Tuitt at 6'6"-300lbs, Cam Heyward at 6'5"-305lbs, Keisel and Aaaron Smith were all in that height, weight and large frame. Ziggy Hood was 6'3"-300lbs and Leal is 6'3-7/8" 283lbs.
When a guy is a bit shorter and not the longer arms of of a player with a bigger frame, they are often better suited to play DT in a 4-3 and that is where Hood was better suited IMO. The Steelers like "tweener" Defensive Ends from college like Joey Porter, Clark Haggans, Jason Gildon, etc that can be converted to OLB in a 3-4.
Still, from what I have seen of Leal, he has good quickness and athleticism in close spaces to win in the pass rush. He will need some better size/strength to hold up as a DE vs the run and while he has good quickness I really didnt see a burst of acceleration or speed in his field drills in the combine to suggest that he has the closing speed which some athletic D linemen may have. Could turn into a real good player, but I think Loudermilk and Wormley will be relied on more than Leal this season.
I saw somewhere or other once that guys that other teams think are too heavy to play rush end in a 4-3 but not right at DT have had success as 3-4 DE. But that was also an iteration or 2 of the 3-4 ago. May not apply as they are not just having their guys squat in gaps.
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Maybe the time for these type players has passed but Leal on tape reminds me of Dwight Freeney. When he's playing on the edge he is damn fast off the snap. He has an incredible spin move and the ability to get 'small' to blockers and run around them. Inside his quickness lets him shoot through gaps and get into the backfield.
He's not going to become an OLB that sets a good edge or bull rushes over tackles or be a stout anchor in the middle of the DL. That's not his game. Leal has more of a finesse style that should get moved around for the sake of matchups. He can expose slower OL and be the disruptor. Offenses can't double team everybody and the more defenders you have with the ability to get to the QB, the better, IMO.
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