This season, the Texas A&M Aggies have been one of the best teams defensively. Anchoring that defense is junior defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal. As a result of his play this season, Leal has set himself apart as one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL Draft class. In this 2022 NFL Draft scouting report, we’ll breakdown what makes DeMarvin Leal a highly sought-after prospect, as well as how his skills and abilities will translate into the NFL.
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DeMarvin Leal 40 Time
I have DeMarvin Leal projected to post a 40 time in the low 4.9 range. This would put him above the league average for the defensive tackle position, but slightly slower than the league average for defensive ends. Given the versatility that he offers, I believe that Leal is capable of playing either position in the NFL.
DeMarvin Leal Injury History
After enrolling early at Texas A&M University, DeMarvin Leal missed spring practices with a slight cartilage tear in his knee. However, this did not require surgery and he did not miss any time as a result. Therefore, at the NFL Combine in March, DeMarvin Leal should receive a green light from medical professionals.
DeMarvin Leal Scouting Report
Pros
- Versatile Defensive Lineman Capable Of Playing Across The Front Four
- High-Motor Defender, Even When Double And Triple-Teamed
- Displays Tremendous Strength To Power Through And Disrupt Pocket
Cons
- Slow To Diagnose And React To Read-Option
- Needs To Improve His Change Of Direction And Quickness
- Lacks Elite Bend Off Edge That Other First-Round Picks Possess
DeMarvin Leal is a three-year starter for the Texas A&M Aggies. Leal is a versatile defensive lineman that is capable of playing all positions across the defensive front. Has solid height and weight for the position when compared to the league average. In terms of athleticism, his 40 time is solid. However, compared to other defensive tackles, I believe that Leal has better athleticism.
Leal possesses a good ability to get off blocks quickly and attack the ball carrier. He has good timing to use spin moves effectively to penetrate the pocket. Displays good strength that forces the offensive line to double and triple-team him on a consistent basis. Has a good ability to corner when coming off the edge and attack the quarterback. His ability to set the edge and force the ball carrier inside is good.Has great use of hands and uses his strength to shed blocks and attack the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage. Good awareness to get his hands up to bat down passes, along with solid awareness to locate balls that are deflected into the air. He’s a high-motor defender that stays engaged until the whistle, even when facing double and triple-teams.
However, DeMarvin Leal can struggle to change direction quickly when diagnosing read-option plays. He possesses adequate contact balance to remain upright behind the line of scrimmage. Leal lacks an elite-level bend off the edge that other defensive ends will possess. Displays an adequate ability to correctly diagnose read-option plays and attack the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage.
DeMarvin Leal NFL Draft Projection
I have DeMarvin Leal listed as the fifth best prospect on our draft board as of this writing. His strength and will to disrupt the pocket and pressure the quarterback is absolutely amazing. Additionally, his versatility to play any position across the defensive front is specially and will be highly sought-after in the 2022 NFL Draft class, should Leal declare.
DeMarvin Leal’s abilities and traits are at an elite level, as explained in this scouting report, which is why I believe that he’ll be selected in the top ten of the 2022 NFL Draft. While he may lack the athleticism that EDGE rushers possess, he more than makes up for it with his strength and utility belt to beat offensive linemen regularly. Furthermore, I don’t believe teams will envision playing Leal at just one position, but rather line him up where they see a weakness.
