The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping for much-improved production from defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal at training camp, as his name remains on the roster bubble.
It seems he's meeting expectations thus far, standing out from the bunch in just a few days of practice. Steelers reporter Alex Kozora is among those impressed by Leal's play, pointing to his effort as a major reason for improvement.
"DeMarvin Leal continues to impress. Another active day and chasing ball hard. Ran 30 yards downfield to try and punch ball out after Jaylen Warren catch," Kozora wrote.
DeMarvin Leal continues to impress. Another active day and chasing ball hard. Ran 30 yards downfield to try and punch ball out after Jaylen Warren catch.
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) July 26, 2024
Rookie S Ryan Watts took a snap as a dime backer during 3rd down period. #Steelers
Leal's sophomore campaign was underwhelming for a third-round pick, recording a single sack and two quarterback hits. He showed serious upside coming out of Texas A&M, which coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are hoping to unlock.
Pittsburgh's defensive line is already loaded with talent, from Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt to veteran game-wrecker Cameron Heyward. If things pan out in training camp, hopefully Heyward can make a strong impact on Leal throughout the season.
Alex highlighted DeMarvin Leal as a defensive player who had a nice first day of camp. Here is one snap from Thursday via @Mazursky8895. Encouraging start for the third-year player. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/64zYMje6Rh
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) July 25, 2024
Another Pittsburgh writer, Nick Farabaugh, sees a significant difference between this year's version of Leal compared to the past.
"DeMarvin Leal is flying around in a way I’ve not seen him in the past two years. Had a good first day. Just had a nice PBU at the line," Farabaugh wrote. "Building up days will be important for him."
DeMarvin Leal is flying around in a way I’ve not seen him in the past two years. Had a good first day. Just had a nice PBU at the line.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) July 26, 2024
Building up days will be important for him.
At 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, it's promising to see Leal begin using certain attributes to his advantage, battling it out for a spot on the roster.
