Coming into his rookie season as a third-round pick out of Texas A&M as more of a ‘tweener along the defensive front, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal wasn’t quite expected to have much of an impact on a defense loaded with talent at all three levels.
Instead, quickly into his rookie season Leal was forced into a sizable role after star pass rusher T.J. Watt went down with a pectoral injury. Needing a pass rush presence, along with some size and and athleticism up front, Leal was the man that could fill that role.