Pittsburgh Review

With T.J. Watt sidelined due to injury two years ago, the Steelers shifted defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal to outside linebacker to compensate for the absence of the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 290 pounds at that time, Leal didn't quite resemble Watt on the edge but managed to hold his ground. Despite not recording a sack in those games, he made four tackles, including one for a loss against the Jets, and defended two passes in a subsequent game against Buffalo.

The Steelers' need to experiment with Leal as a standup defensive end was reduced last season due to the additions of Nick Herbig through the draft and Markus Golden via free agency. However, after Golden re-signed earlier this August only to retire a week later, Leal's name has resurfaced as a potential fourth edge rusher for nickel and dime defenses.

"I think he's had a heck of a camp. He's probably in the best shape that he's been in since we drafted him," said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin on Tuesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "He could play inside; he could play outside. He's that athletic... And if we need him to play outside linebacker, he absolutely could."

Leal demonstrated his versatility again during last Saturday's 9-3 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills by lining up as a stand-up defensive end in their nickel package. The 2022 third-round draft pick spent the offseason refining his body not necessarily to lose weight but to better prepare for NFL rigors.

"It's just kind of how it happened and getting to it, and my body went the way it wanted to go," Leal stated.

Despite shedding some weight naturally through his workouts, Leal remains capable of playing inside at defensive tackle, offering flexibility for roster construction. With Watt and Alex Highsmith regarded as one of the top starting duos of edge rushers in the NFL and Herbig making significant strides into his second season after an impressive rookie year with three sacks and two forced fumbles, competition remains tight.

"He's making a really nice jump," Austin commented on Herbig's progress following his performance against Buffalo where he recorded four tackles and 1.5 sacks. "He's had a really good camp... And so I like where he's going."

The decision on who will be the fourth option may hinge on special teams performance. If Leal proves himself viable as that fourth choice, it might enable Pittsburgh to retain another player focused on special teams duties.

In addition to Leal, Jeremiah Moon, Kyron Johnson, Julius Welschof, and Jacoby Windmon are also vying for positions behind Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig at outside linebacker.

Leal expressed willingness to play both on the edge and inside: "Definitely... It's about being able to know the difference in techniques inside and out and being able to get to the QB."

At Texas A&M during his final season in 2021, Leal recorded 8.5 sacks while playing both defensive tackle and defensive end positions.

"I've worked this season to be able to go inside and out... different pass rushes... so I'm putting that on display," said Leal.