DeMarvin Leal – Defensive Tackle – 21 – Junior – Texas A&M
Cut : 1m93
Weight : 132 Kg
Estimated draft position : end of 1st-2nd Round
Stats 2021 : 58 tackles including 12.5 for losses, 8.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 2 defended passes in 12 games
NFL Comparison : Jerry Tillery (Chargers)
Strong points
– Athletic qualities
– Versatility
– Engine
– Hand game
DeMarvin Leal’s athleticism is impressive. He moves very well for a player of his size and is able to change direction easily. In addition, he has excellent balance, which allows him not to be sent to the ground easily. He is also spoiled with very long segments, which allow him to hinder the pass by raising his arms, which explains the 6 passes defended by Leal with Texas A&M.
With a physique like his and his athletic qualities, DeMarvin Leal is very versatile. He can play in all defensive line positions. Not only can Leal play inside and out, but he’s productive regardless of his positioning. Primarily seen as a defensive tackle, he looks even better on the outside. But his natural qualities inside remain very good, and he is very good against the run, even when he is doubled.
His speed and stamina allow Leal to stay active throughout a game. He has enough motor skills to keep chasing the ball carrier. It also helps him disrupt the quarterback, as he puts constant pressure on during pass rush situations.
DeMarvin Leal has very active hands. This makes him very difficult for an offensive lineman to catch. He manages to put his hands on the lineman before him, and manages to send him to the ground very well. This allows him to stay on his feet and continue to chase the ball carrier, whether runner or thrower.
Weak points
– Reading
– Technical
Despite all his natural qualities, DeMarvin Leal is not perfect. One of his biggest weaknesses is that he often stays on his first instinct. It is therefore often taken by default as a read option. He tends to throw himself at the running back, and a smart, good-reading quarterback, which is the case with the majority of pitchers in the league, could easily catch him off guard.
Generally, DeMarvin Leal has very effective hands. The problem is that when the lineman manages to catch it, he has a hard time getting out of it. It’s one of the reasons that makes him better on the outside. He sometimes manages to use his athletic qualities to bring down his opponent. But it often happens to him to be beaten by an adversary more powerful than him.
The stat
6 deflected passes and 1 interception in a year and a half
DeMarvin Leal’s athleticism and good hands may allow him to get in the way of the pitcher. In the last year and a half of his career with Texas A&M, he deflected 6 balls and made 1 interception. Rather unusual stats for a defensive tackle. He manages to panic the pitcher, inside and out, which can result in a rushed pitch. Qualities that may interest several NFL teams.
Possible destinations
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs
DeMarvin Leal is a physical player, who moves well, is extremely versatile and, most importantly, productive. His stats are even more impressive given the large number of times he has been doubled, even tripled. Overall, NFL teams have a lot to like about Leal.
He is one of the best linemen in this draft class, however, his versatility can be seen as a flaw by teams that wouldn’t know where to place him. Additionally, the rising hype around players like Jordan Davies, Travon Walker and Devonte Wyatt may bring DeMarvin Leal down.
