DeMarvin Leal reacts to joining forces with T.J. Watt with Steelers

Former Texas A&M star DeMarvin Leal is remarkably lucky, he joined a franchise that boasts one of the best defensive units in the league and one of the NFL’s premiere defensive superstars in T.J. Watt. Leal was recently asked by a reporter on how excited he is to learn from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ superstar and his new defensive teammates in the Steel City.

“Definitely. I can’t wait. Honestly…he’s that guy…So just learning just how they go about preparing for the game and it’s a whole ‘nother ball game now. Just learning how to prepare for the game–mentally, physically, and emotionally as well. And just take all that wisdom in,” Leal said. The Steelers selected him with the No. 84 overall selection in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Texas A&M saw Leal their defense carry to a historic season and turning them into one of the best units in the country.

He only played three years for Texas A&M, recording 133 tackles, 13 sacks, and 25 tackles for a loss. The Steelers will be trying to fully develop the youngster into the NFL monster some people think he can become.

Leal is a former On3 Consensus five-star prospect, ranking as the No. 2 defensive lineman in the country. Coming out of Converse, Texas, he was the No. 2 player from the state and 16th overall in the country.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about DeMarvin Leal

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein scouted Leal before the draft, comparing him to current New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers. He said there will be a debate where his best position is between the edge and possibly on the inside. Zierlein did not like the tape but up against some of this year’s best tackles but likes the motor Leal possesses.

“Early entry defensive lineman who appears to be caught between “best fit” positions at this time,” Zeirlein said. “Leal possesses adequate rush skills and knows how to craft a rush plan, but a lack of suddenness and closing burst turns potential sacks into hurries without the help of a long pocket count. When the motor is cranked up, he can stack and slide past run blockers with efficiency and quickness. He didn’t put together the tape that was expected and disappointing reps against Evan Neal (Alabama) and Charles Cross (Mississippi State) could create concerns about his pro readiness. Most will see him as an even-front defender in some capacity, but playing 3-4 DE might be his best fit as a pro.”

On3’s Griffin McVeigh also contributed to this article.