2022 NFL Draft Profile: DL DeMarvin Leal

Embed from Getty Images

DeMarvin Leal tantalizes teams with his versatility and explosion from every spot along the defensive line. During his stay in College Station, Leal posted twenty-five tackles, thirteen tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. The six-foot-three, 290 pound Aggie also earned consensus All-America honors. Leal projects as an immediate starter with potential.

Strengths

From the snap, Leal beats his opponent out of their stance. With heavy hands and leverage, he overwhelms blockers. In addition, Leal can play multiple spots on the defensive line. For example, he will start a series as a right end, then kick inside to disrupt from the three-technique. Within his arsenal, Leal features a bull rush with quickness. That is to say, the bull uses torso power and explosive steps. Similarly, the prospect fares well versus the run, by shooting gaps and beating guards with speed. Equally important, Leal’s aggressive tackling swarms the target with a strong wrap and finish.

Around FPC

NFL: Marvin Lewis on Brian Flores’ Charges: “No Question, It’s Alarming”

NFC: Aaron Donald Is Noncommittal On Future

NFL: Unhitch The Wagon: Chiefs Must Release Anthony Hitchens

Super Bowl: Climb The Ranks: Joe Burrow Continues To Ascend

NHL: NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 33: Super Bowl LVI Reaction; Rams Clinch Second Title

Weaknesses

Leal can be as good as he wants to be. Therein lies the issue. While his motor, when activated, makes him a threat, the inconsistency hurts his team. In all honesty, the prospect didn’t always bring the same effort as an Aggie. That decision-making needs serious questioning. Similarly, Leal’s arrest for possession of marijuana calls his judgment into doubt. With millions of dollars on the line, staying out of trouble for the balance of your career must be a given. At 290 pounds, Leal will sacrifice anywhere between thirty and fifty pounds to most NFL guards.

Ideal Role

Ideally, a starting three-technique would give Leal the quickest way to notch double-digits sack. In a 4-3, playing against bigger but slower guards on early downs. Subsequently, he could see time as a five-technique in a 3-4. Given the choice, that type of interior explosion would give whatever team that drafts him, a plug-and-play tackle with double-digit sack potential. Most importantly, Leal needs a no-nonsense position coach to keep the fire lit

Potential Fits

First, the Browns spring to mind. Their defense never recovered from losing Larry Ogunjobi to free agency. They need an interior rusher to free up Myles Garrett as much as possible. Leal fits the mood and temperament of that defense right now. Sitting with the first pick of the second round, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a glaring need at tackle. If Leal wows them, they could trade up into the bottom of the first round. With Josh Allen and Dawuane Smoot as the bookends, Leal adds an inside pass rush to that young defensive line.

Around FPC