Former Texas A&M football star DeMarvin Leal reportedly switching positions with Pittsburgh Steelers; Will this change spark his career?
Despite an absolutely huge career with Texas A&M football, it's been tough sledding so far in the NFL for former star defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal. A second round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Leal was projected to be a destructive force in the league just like he was in College Station.
However, things have not yet panned out the way that many had projected for Leal. He was never the most twitched-up player out on the edge of the defensive line, but his pure power and cadre of moves—along with his prowess against the run—made him still a high-value prospect.
It seems that those qualities have not yet been fully utilized in his situation in Pittsburgh yet, though. Through two years and six total starts, Leal has only managed 29 tackles (2 TFLs) and one sack.
Perhaps this newest move will help the Steelers leverage some of Leal's gifts better. Reporting emerged today that the former Aggie star would be making the move from a defensive end to outside linebacker.
#Steelers DL coach Karl Dunbar says DeMarvin Leal is moving to from DE to OLB.
— Jason Shetler (@Jason_Shetler) August 8, 2024
Leal should get plenty of time at his new position tomorrow, with Watt & Highsmith not playing.
This will allow Leal to focus more on his pass-rushing sets, but it will also drop him back into coverage more often. There's no question that DeMarvin is more nimble than your average defensive lineman, but that could still spell an advantage for offenses looking to get the best matchup on paper—getting Leal out in coverage is not something I think the Steelers would like to do regularly.
No, I think this move is more so aimed at giving Leal more opportunities to rush the quarterback. He certainly has the tools to have a big year in that capacity, but it also likely means fewer starts—after all, he'll be behind all-pro T.J. Watt at the position.