Mike Tomlin gives thoughts on DeMarvin Leal putting on weight

The Pittsburgh Steelers added some beef to their defensive line in the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting former Texas A&M star DeMarvin Leal with the No. 84 overall pick in the third round. Leal will provide valuable depth on the defensive front for the Steelers.

During rookie minicamp, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked if he or the team have discussed wanting Leal to add weight ahead of the season. Tomlin quickly and strongly shut that idea down, saying that it’s way too early in the process to know whether or not that’s something they want to do.

“He’s speculating if he thinks we want him to put on weight,” Tomlin said of Leal. “We’re just getting to know him and his body and how it works. Often times in draft preparations, guys hear things from NFL people and they try to do what they think we want. The reality is that we’re trying to get to know the athlete, the pedigree of the athlete, how his body works, what’s the optimal condition for him to be in, etc. So it would be much too premature to talk about desired weights and so forth with any of these guys because we’re just getting to know them.”

Leal could play an early role for the Steelers

In three years at Texas A&M, Leal totaled 133 tackles, 13 sacks, and 25 tackles for loss. He is seen as a player with a lot of potential long-term, and the Steelers will be hoping to find that potential right away.

Leal is likely to begin his career as a backup, but he could still have a sizeable role in some packages as a rookie. Ahead of the NFL Draft, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein saw Leal as a player that can contribute at a high level depending on the scheme he falls into.

“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.”