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The Steelers have selected DeMarvin Leal, Defensive End from Texas A&M, with the 84th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Kevin Colbert may have struck gold again by selecting a high motor bully in the third round. He is a 6-foot 4-inch 285-pound lineman who was named an All American after his Junior year in 2021. Leal is not a classic edge rushing defensive end. He is not a speed rusher; he is not slow, but he is a bull rusher who uses his speed to generate power. As a rookie Leal should be able to spell Stephon Tuitt as he returns to the field and could also rotate with Tyson Alualu inside.
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Leal is more than just insurance for Tuitt who is in the last year of his contract. He has a nasty streak that makes him an effective block shedder and run defender and he may see more time on early downs during the 2022 season. Leal could become a key member of the defense if he can occupy guards, who too often in 2021 were finding Devin Bush and Joe Schoebert not getting off blocks.
A 3-4 defensive end has to employ the skillset of a defensive tackle at the NFL level especially on run plays and Leal has demonstrated he is comfortable inside and he is often more effective splitting the guard-tackle gap when rushing the passer versus going one on one with a tackle. This is a highly desirable skillset for the Steelers, and it is where Stephon Tuitt and especially Cam Heyward excel.
Twitter JSKO Photos
The Steelers were the 11th ranked run defense in 2020 with Tuitt and Heyward on the field. The linebackers ran to the ball unfettered taking better angles because they could trust their eyes. In 2021 without Tuitt and Alualu on the field, Devin Bush and Joe Schobert struggled noticeably. The two were quickly engaged by the opposing offense and would become out of position. Instead of following the ball, Bush and Schobert were fighting blocks.
Since Joe Greene came to town in 1969, the Steelers linebackers have traditionally been known to be great run defenders. Part of the reason that the Black and Gold have produced some of the best linebackers in the history of the league is because they have had superior defensive line play. Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel were criminally underrated and Cam Heyward’s production at a 3-4 end is frankly Hall of Fame worthy. Leal’s high motor should mesh perfectly with Cam Heyward and if he can keep opposing lineman fighting with him instead of looking for linebackers, the Steelers can return to a top run stopping unit. Leal would benefit from putting on 7 to 10 pounds of muscle without sacrificing his speed but having a lineman put on weight is a better position than asking him to lose it.
Heyward is 32, Tuitt is 28 and Alualu is 34, the Steelers had to get younger up front and draft the next generation. The Steelers and Kevin Colbert have done well in the last 5 years in identifying 2nd and 3rd round talent, picking Pat Freiermuth, Chase Claypool, Alex Highsmith, Diontae Johnson, Ju-Ju Smith Schuster, and Cam Sutton. By selecting George Pickens and Leal the Steelers have filled two key roster holes.
Thank you, Kevin Colbert, for your mid to late round magic. Steeler Nation can only hope that the next general manager has your Midas touch in these rounds. Leal looks like pure gold!
What do you think Steeler Nation? Please comment below or follow me on Twitter @thebubbasq.
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Leal is more than just insurance for Tuitt who is in the last year of his contract. He has a nasty streak that makes him an effective block shedder and run defender and he may see more time on early downs during the 2022 season. Leal could become a key member of the defense if he can occupy guards, who too often in 2021 were finding Devin Bush and Joe Schoebert not getting off blocks.
A 3-4 defensive end has to employ the skillset of a defensive tackle at the NFL level especially on run plays and Leal has demonstrated he is comfortable inside and he is often more effective splitting the guard-tackle gap when rushing the passer versus going one on one with a tackle. This is a highly desirable skillset for the Steelers, and it is where Stephon Tuitt and especially Cam Heyward excel.
Twitter JSKO Photos
The Steelers were the 11th ranked run defense in 2020 with Tuitt and Heyward on the field. The linebackers ran to the ball unfettered taking better angles because they could trust their eyes. In 2021 without Tuitt and Alualu on the field, Devin Bush and Joe Schobert struggled noticeably. The two were quickly engaged by the opposing offense and would become out of position. Instead of following the ball, Bush and Schobert were fighting blocks.
Since Joe Greene came to town in 1969, the Steelers linebackers have traditionally been known to be great run defenders. Part of the reason that the Black and Gold have produced some of the best linebackers in the history of the league is because they have had superior defensive line play. Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel were criminally underrated and Cam Heyward’s production at a 3-4 end is frankly Hall of Fame worthy. Leal’s high motor should mesh perfectly with Cam Heyward and if he can keep opposing lineman fighting with him instead of looking for linebackers, the Steelers can return to a top run stopping unit. Leal would benefit from putting on 7 to 10 pounds of muscle without sacrificing his speed but having a lineman put on weight is a better position than asking him to lose it.
Heyward is 32, Tuitt is 28 and Alualu is 34, the Steelers had to get younger up front and draft the next generation. The Steelers and Kevin Colbert have done well in the last 5 years in identifying 2nd and 3rd round talent, picking Pat Freiermuth, Chase Claypool, Alex Highsmith, Diontae Johnson, Ju-Ju Smith Schuster, and Cam Sutton. By selecting George Pickens and Leal the Steelers have filled two key roster holes.
Steelers Fans, What George Pickens Being Drafted At 52 Means For The Steelers’ Wide Receivers
Thank you, Kevin Colbert, for your mid to late round magic. Steeler Nation can only hope that the next general manager has your Midas touch in these rounds. Leal looks like pure gold!
What do you think Steeler Nation? Please comment below or follow me on Twitter @thebubbasq.
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
